AG2R Citroën Team will have a continental level development team. The French thus follows the current trend, where more and more highest level teams are setting up U23 teams at continental level, allowing their riders to gain experience racing with the main team, among other benefits.
"Professional cycling is changing, and we felt it was essential to modify our approach by developing a training program fully integrated into our structure, which will enable us to attract and recruit the best talent so that we can continue to be among the world's top teams," explains team manager Vincent Lavenu.
"Our aim is to optimize their training, provide them with better support and thus make their career paths more secure. To do this, we need to control the entire training pathway and draw on the team's expertise to support young riders from their recruitment as juniors right up to the highest world level."
The French structure is currently working with some of the most talented juniors from France, but else selected riders from other countries. Some of the most interesting names that could join the new team for next season would be cobbled classics riders - Belgian Steffen De Schuyteneer and Australian Oscar Chamberlain, puncheur Antoine L'Hote or climbers Milan Donie and Léo Bisiaux. The latter was already announced as a first rider to join the team for next season, and many more of his teammates are expected to follow the path.
AG2R Citroën Team already had a U23 team registered as N1 (elite) French team, however the level of the races wasn't quite appealing to many talented riders who chose to sign their first professional elsewhere. This includes former Junior European Champion Romain Grégoire (currently Groupama - FDJ).
"As of 2024, we will thus create a continental team and fully integrate our junior team, which is already achieving exceptional results."
