What to expect this year
A year in which they enjoyed 33 victories across all levels may not seem such a bad season, but a disappointing Tour de France – their home race – means FDJ.fr have much to improve on in 2014. Injury and poor form coincided in the 100th Tour, as the French team failed to win a single stage and collected only €12,890 in prize money – only Lampre-Merida earned less. Team leader Thibaut Pinot withdrew from the Tour after admitting a fear of descending, while sprint king Nacer Bouhanni had already been forced to abandon during the sixth stage.
However, a strong end to the year means expectations are high again for FDJ.fr. Stage wins at the Vuelta pointed to what could be achieved, while Bouhanni closed the year with back-to-back stages and the sprinter’s jersey at the Tour of Beijing. Bouhanni is likely to represent their best chance of stage victories. The young team suffered a steep learning curve in 2013 – Bouhanni and Pinot are both 23, Arnaud Demare is 22 and Arthur Vichot is still only 25 – but with the best years to come, 2014 could be the start of a very successful period.
Who’s new for 2014?
Olivier Le Gac, Pierre-Henri Lecuisinier (both FRA) neo pros, Sebastien Chavanel (FRA) from Europcar
Who has left?
Sandy Casar (FRA) retired, Dominique Rollin (CAN) released
Riders to watch
Nacer Bouhanni – strong end to year at Tour of Beijing and will want to start 2014 as he left off.
Thibaut Pinot – has taken lessons to overcome fear of descending, eager to bounce back in 2013.
Kenny Ellisonde – stage victory at Vuelta overshadowed by Horner/Nibali battle but showed what he is capable of.
