2021 SEASON PREVIEW

With the 2020 season heavily disrupted, cycling will hope it can get back on track this term. Here’s our essential guide to the teams and races that matter over the coming year

MEN’S WORLD TEAMS

AG2R CITROEN

France

Total riders: 28

Under 26: 10

Over 35: 1

Key stat: 2020 was the first year Ag2r failed to win a race outside of France since 2013

The exit of Romain Bardet, along with many of his climbing lieutenants, signals the end of an era. Ag2r’s marquee new signing of Greg Van Avermaet indicates a shift from targeting GC at the Tour to muddying their notorious brown shorts in the spring Classics. Was the 35-yearold, who endured a winless 2020, really the best use of the extra funds enabled by new sponsor Citroën? Perhaps not, and with more long-term recruitments expected for 2022 (Julian Alaphilippe has been rumoured), and young prospects like Benoît Cosnefroy and Clément Champoussin still developing, this looks set to be a transitional season.

ASTANA-PREMIER TECH

Kazakhstan

Total riders: 27

Under 26: 15

Over 35: 2

Key stat: Last year’s total of 15 wins was the team’s lowest since 2011