2023 Season Preview

Sit back and whet your appetite for the season ahead with our guide to the top teams to watch out for in this year's biggest races along with the personal dramas set to play out on the world stage

MEN'S WORLDTEAMS

AG2R CITROEN FRANCE

Riders: 29

Under 26: 12

Over 35: 3

Key stat: 19 of the team's 29-man roster are French

Few teams were quieter in the transfer market than AG2R, which is something of a surprise as the French squad is badly in need of rejuvenation after another mediocre season in 2022. The sole arrival of breakaway specialist Frank Bonnamour and a handful of promoted neo-pros are unlikely to make the team any less dependent on Ben O'Connor, who will be under pressure to deliver a high placing at the Tour. Although still spearheaded by 37-year-old Greg van Avermaet and past-his-best Oliver Naesen in the Classics, Benoît Cosnefroy looks to have entered his prime and should challenge for some major Classics.

ALPECIN-DECEUNINCK BELGIUM

Riders: 30

Under 26: 8

Over 35: 0

Key stat: The team's total of 34 wins in 2022 was higher than all but five of the World Tour teams

As well as nicking Quick Step's old sponsor Deceuninck, Alpecin are also striving to dethrone their Belgian compatriots as the best in both the Classics and the sprints, as they look towards their long-awaited first season in the World Tour. Søren Kragh Andersen arrives to take some pressure off star man Mathieu van der Poel in the Classics, while Quinten Hermans gives them a strong option new in the hilly Classics; and though Quick Step have snatched Tim Merlier from them, Jasper Philipsen and new signing Kaden Groves should ensure many sprint wins.

ARKÉA-SAMSIC FRANCE

Riders: 30

Under 26:

15 Over 35.2