Giro d'Italia | AG2R Citroën Team target stages, eye GC with Félix Gall

AG2R Citroën Team have announced yesterday their lineup for the Giro d'Italia and the team's ambitions revolve around stage hunting throughout different terrains - mainly aiming at the hilly stages.

The team is being led by Félix Gall. Despite this being his Grand Tour debut, the Austrian is one of the team's most promising talents and has finished 12th at Itzulia Basque Country and sixth at the Tour of the Alps. Team DS Laurent Biondi has said: "Félix has been the happy surprise for the start to the season for the AG2R CITROËN TEAM. He has shown that he had great potential in stage races thanks to his good recovery qualities. He will be our sole leader for the general classification. However, this is his first Grand Tour and therefore his first experience of managing a three-week race. He will aim for a top 15 in the general classification and depending on the opportunities, a stage victory."

Besides Gall, the rest of the team should be eyeing stage wins, except for Lawrence Naesen who comes in in a protective role for Gall. Andrea Vendrame will be targeting the sprints, whilst being a wildcard for hilly stages - having won one last season. Nans Peters, Lilian Calmejane, Nicolas Prodhomme, Jaakko Hänninnen and Mikaël Cherel conclude the team, a big set of climbers and puncheurs who will be likely saving their legs for breakaways in search of wins throughout the three weeks.

AG2R Citroën Team for Giro d'Italia: Félix Gall, Andrea Vendrame, Nans Peters, Lilian Calmejane, Mikaël Cherel, Nicolas Prodhomme, Jaakko Hänninen and Lawrence Naesen.