Vincent Lavenu: “A dual objective for the team”
“We have a dual objective at the start of this Tour de France. First, it’s to confirm our performance from last year in the general classification with Felix Gall. And secondly, we also aim to secure at least one stage victory. Sam Bennett will be one of our best chances in sprint finishes, but we also have other riders capable of raising their arms. I’m thinking of Dorian Godon and Paul Lapeira, who can make use of their sprint ability in case of a small group finish. We are ambitious, with a strong collective and a very good climber like Felix Gall. We have regularly achieved good results on the Tour de France, it’s in our identity, so we will fight for that, with a solid and motivated team.”
Felix Gall: “There are more expectations, but also more support from the team”
“The goal is clear: the general classification. Last year, the Tour de France went very well for me with my eighth place overall. We always want to improve, so the goal is to achieve the best possible result. It’s very difficult to win a stage at the Tour de France, but we have the team for that, and last year’s emotions give me even more motivation. This year, the goal has been clear from the start of the season because I will be the leader, and it’s a different responsibility. There are more expectations, but also more support from the team. I think we will have a very good collective and with a new challenge, the sprint finishes with Sam Bennett.”
Sam Bennett: “I can’t wait to fight”
“I am very happy to return to the Tour de France after four years of absence. I want to thank the team for this incredible opportunity. Returning to the Tour with a French team is a special feeling. Achieving a stage win for this team in the biggest race in the world would be even more special! I have time to get into the race because the start is hilly. Nevertheless, every stage is important, the first opportunity will come after the opening weekend, and I hope to be ready for that. There should be eight massive sprints with many contenders. I can’t wait to fight.”
Key figure: 22
The number of stage wins on the Tour de France for the DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE team since its first appearance in 1993. Last year, Felix Gall won the queen stage during the Saint-Gervais – Courchevel stage.
