Ag2r interested in signing Julian Alaphilippe as Tour de France leader
The French WorldTour squad is on the hunt for a star rider to lead the team
Ag2r-Citroën would be interested in signing Julian Alaphilippe as their Tour de France leader, their team manager has said.
The French WorldTour squad has announced a new big-money sponsor in car manufacturer Citroën for 2021, as the team rebuilds around a new core of Classics riders.
But after the departure of Romain Bardet for Team DSM, Ag2r does not have their home hero for the Tour, setting team boss Vincent Lavenu on the hunt for a new star rider.
In an interview with French newspaper Sud Ouest, Lavenu said: “You’ve first got to check that they’re on the market, but that should be the case. We won’t hold back on seeing what our chances are.
“He's a rider that people really like, one of the best in the world. If you have a partner of the calibre of Citroën, there’s no reason not to try. But there’s time for that…”
Reigning world champion Alaphilippe is currently contracted with Deceuninck - Quick-Step for 2021, but Ag2r could begin contract negotiations to sign the 28-year-old.
According to Sud Ouest, Ag2r's budget has grown to €23 million (£21 million) for 2021, with the potential for more to sign Alaphilippe.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The Frenchman has spent his entire career with Belgian team Deceuninck, having signed with Patrick Lefevere’s squad in 2014.
He has already had huge success with his current squad, winning Milan-San Remo, Strade Bianche, Flèche Wallone and the World Championships.
>>> Ag2r La Mondiale unveil their new kit for 2021…and the brown shorts are staying
But after two remarkable Tour de France rides in 2019 and 2020, many cycling fans have questioned whether Alaphilippe could one day become a Grand Tour contender, after he wore the yellow jersey for two weeks last year.
Alaphilippe recently said the Tour is the race he would most like to win in theory, but said he wasn’t going to target the race.
Ag2r has made a number of big signings for the Classics, including Greg Van Avermaet from CCC Team and Alaphilippe’s team-mate Bob Jungels.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
I'm about to turn 40 - how can I keep riding fast?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
By Charlie Graham-Dixon Published
-
Life Time Grand Prix to have fewer riders and wild cards in 2025
The flagship US gravel series has confirmed the six races that will be a part of the competition next year
By Adam Becket Published
-
Tom Pidcock to go head-to-head with Remco Evenepoel at upcoming Tour of Britain Men
Pidcock to ride six-day race for Ineos Grenadiers
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Remco Evenepoel and Julian Alaphilippe confirmed for Tour of Britain Men
Double Olympic champion and Alaphilippe headline Soudal Quick-Step team selection
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Julian Alaphilippe
From his cyclo-cross beginnings to his favourite film genre
By Tom Davidson Published
-
The race within a race and Pogačar domination - 5 things we learned from the second week of the Giro d’Italia
Our takeaways from the second week of racing as Tadej Pogačar masterclass continues
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I didn't plan it': Julian Alaphilippe bounces back with epic Giro d'Italia win
Giro stage victory in Fano sees former two time road world champion become 108th man to win stages in all three Grand Tours
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe storms to victory on stage 12 of Giro d'Italia as Pogačar keeps overall lead
Alaphilippe wins enthralling stage in Fano after long day in two-man breakaway with Mirco Maestri
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
5 things we learned from the first week of the 2024 Giro d’Italia
The Italian Grand Tour is firmly underway and Tadej Pogačar is in the pink jersey. Here are our takeaways from the first week of action
By Tom Thewlis Published
-