AG2R Citroën are preparing their upcoming season and have confirmed the staying of one of their most experienced and reliable mountain domestiques as they look to build a supportive base for Ben O'Connor,
Mikaël Cherel.
The 36-year old has been with the French structure since 2011 after he joined in from the current Grouapama - FDJ team and has became a key part of the team's mountain structure, supporting the likes of Jean-Cristophe Peraud and becoming Romain Bardet's right-hand man over several editions of the Tour de France. In 2016 Cherel was the instigator of an instrumental move in Bardet's attack on stage 19 to Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc which saw the Frenchman take the stage win and ultimately finish second in the overall classification.
“I am happy to extend my adventure with AG2R CITROËN for an additional year," Cherel said in a press release. "This will be my thirteenth season with the team, which is my “second family". I thank Vincent Lavenu and all the staff for their trust.
This year Cherel has shown his best level once again, showing strong form and aggressive racing at the Giro d'Italia where he went on to finish in 23rd place before supporting Ben O'Connor - and later Bob Jungels - at the Tour de France, where the Luxembourger finished in 12th place.
"The 2022 season with two Grand Tours, even if the second ended abruptly, allowed me to show that I am always able to respond to the biggest events and I am happy to be able to continue and to put my experience at the service of the team," he said. The Frenchman has not taken rest after the Tour, having raced yesterday's Clasica San Sebastian, and with a likely objective to perform in the mountainous classics late in the season.
