By signing for two years in the Sunweb team, Romain Bardet, 29, has taken his career a spectacular turn. "I am very happy to join Sunweb," declared in a press release from the German team l'Auvergnat, whose contract with AG2R-La Mondiale expires at the end of the season. When I considered the options outside of my current team, it was very important for me to join a formation that works gradually, that is involved in the latest technologies and other areas. I also wanted a clear vision of my sport and a team that is a member of the MPCC (Editor's note: Movement for credible cycling, which works against doping) . At Sunweb, I have the opportunity to start without specific expectations or particular racing goals. "
Our 2021 group chat has just got a new member👀🔥 #KeepChallenging pic.twitter.com/IfSILMSvax
- Team Sunweb (@TeamSunweb) August 10, 2020Sensed in recent weeks, it's now official: Romain Bardet will join Sunweb in 2021! After 9 years of living together with AG2R (even more since he comes from training), the French are trying the adventure abroad. A page turns for the 2 parts. #Mercato pic.twitter.com/cpVrz2pshY
- The Gruppetto (@LeGruppetto) August 10, 2020Leaving Vincent Lavenu's group behind him, Bardet leaves the team that formed him and has been progressing for nine years to the highest level, at the same time as she was developing herself.
Contacted by Vincent Lavenu at the age of 18 when he had recently been working for the Roanne club, in 2010 he joined the Chambéry club, the training center of AG2R-La Mondiale. Having turned pro in 2012, he then quickly climbed the ranks, notably signing two podiums in the Tour de France, 2nd in 2016, 3rd in 2017, as well as three stage victories. “I am reaching a key point in my career where I have acquired a lot of experience,” he said at the beginning of June. But I also have some good years left where I can make the most of my abilities. We actively think about finding the best way at AG2R or in another team to achieve this. I am at a point in my career where it is legitimate to have these thoughts. "
Before evolving in the Sunweb jersey in 2021, the climber from Brioude will compete in a last Tour de France (August 29-September 20) on behalf of AG2R-La Mondiale. More in the perspective of stage victories than of racing in the general classification.