What to expect this year
Set for their maiden season at WorldTour level, French outfit Team Europcar have a heavy French feel about their squad – with 22 of their 27-strong selection from the country. Of those, the likes of Thomas Voeckler and Pierre Rolland have already made a big impression on the major WorldTour races thanks to the team receiving wildcards into many major races, while new signings Romain Sicard and Maxime Menderel also started last year’s Tour.
So, this year will be more than just a season to gather experience for the French squad with Rolland and Voeckler expected to shine on the big stage. Voeckler’s season started in the worst possible fashion, however, after he broke his collarbone in Australia ahead of the Tour Down Under. Rolland though has a real chance to better his 24th place at last year’s Tour, where he was also third in the mountains classification and wore the polka dot jersey into Paris. Rolland, 27, Sicard, 26, and Cyril Gautier, 26, all now have the experience to kick on in 2014 although a big victory in Europcar’s debut year at WorldTour level may be too big an ask.
Who’s new for 2014?
Romain Sicard (FRA) from Euskaltel-Euskadi, Maxime Mederel (FRA) from Sojasun, Jimmy Engoulvent (FRA) from Sojasun, Fabrice Jeandesboz (FRA) from Sojasun, Yannick Martinez (FRA) from La Pomme Marseille, Antoine Duchesne (CAN) from Bontrager.
Who has left?
Sebastien Chavanel (FRA) to FDJ.fr, David Veilleux (CAN) retired, Sebastien Turgot (FRA) to Ag2r-La Mondiale, Pierre-Henri Lecuisinier (FRA) to FDJ.fr, Damien Gaudin (FRA) to Ag2r-La Moniale, Franck Bouyer (FRA) retired, Anthony Charteau (FRA) retired.
Riders to watch
Thomas Voeckler – Injury in Australia could hamper his season but with both the Tour and the Vuelta on his programme he will no doubt feature prominently in 2014.
Pierre Rolland – His ‘polka dot onesie’ may not have won in the fashion stakes at the Tour, but it shows he is more than capable in the mountains.
Bryan Coquard – Aged just 21, earned eight victories in lower-classified races last year. He is certainly a name to watch if he can transfer his form to WorldTour level.
