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
Denne historien er fra February 02, 2023-utgaven av CYCLING WEEKLY.
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Denne historien er fra February 02, 2023-utgaven av CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CLASSIC BIKE - JOHNNY BERRY
Johnny be good at making beautiful lightweight bikes
UK SCENE - WUNDERKIND HUDSON WINS YORKSHIRE CX
Newly crowned junior hill-climb champ shows his versatility by winning round seven on the mud
WATT WORKS FOR ME TADEJ POGAČAR
The man himself - subject of this special issue - explains the key performance changes behind his record-breaking year
11 WAYS TO POG-UP YOUR PLAN
Tadej Pocačar's performance is out of reach but you can adapt his training to raise your game. Chris Marshall-Bell consults the experts to find out how
Why do modern aero bikes look less aero?
Are today's aero bikes really faster, or is marketing just getting better? Joe Baker investigates...
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
An Olympic year is always special and the cycling season once again delivered a year of highs and lows, from Pogi's triple to Katie Archibald's pre-Olympic trip
MEET THE PARENTS
What made Tadej Pogačar the phenomenon he is today? Chris Marshall-Bell went to Slovenia to meet his mum and dad, Mirko and Marjeta
HALF MAN HALF GOAT
Tadej Pogačar may have had a phenomenal season, but has he done enough to cement his status as the greatest of all time? Chris Marshall-Bell weighs the arguments for and against
Lefevere cashes in his chips and leaves cycling management
The news that Patrick Lefevere will step down as Quick Step boss marks the end of an era, after 22 years in charge
Mathieu van der Poel weighs up skipping Tour de France
Dutchman hints at missing Tour in favour of mtb Worlds bid, reports Tom Thewlis from Dénia, Spain
