French team Ag2r Mondiale confirmed for Tour Down Under

FRENCH cycling outfit Ag2r La Mondiale have confirmed their start at January's Tour Down Under in Adelaide.

Ag2r La Mondiale, pictured at last season's Tour Down Under, will compete again in this yea...

FRENCH outfit Ag2r La Mondiale have confirmed their start at the Tour Down Under with the announcement of a strong team, led by explosive climber Maxime Bouet.

Ag2r is the only team to have competed every year since the race began in 1999, and they are bringing a seven-man roster led by Bouet for the January event, with fellow Frenchmen Maxime Daniel and Sebastien Turgot focused on pushing to the front in sprint finishes.

Tour Down Under race director Mike Turtur said Ag2r was popular with fans and consistently delivered strong results.

"Maxime Bouet is an all-rounder and he's particularly good on rolling terrain with short, sharp climbs," Turtur said.

"The varied terrain across the 2014 Santos Tour Down Under route will appeal to Bouet and the Ag2r line-up and I'm sure we'll see dynamic performances from this experienced group of riders." The season-opening race, in Adelaide from January 19-26, was won this year by Dutchman Tom-Jelte Slagter from Blanco Pro Cycling.