“Gan”, as the team was called up to 1998, already was an outstanding French team when it got it’s present name. This year though, they hoped to attract a big name, Alexandre Vinokourov, since they had his fellow countryman and close friend Kashechkin in their ranks. Instead, the deal went sour and they lost both to their Spanish adversary Liberty Seguros. Having already lost Moreau to AG2R, their Tour the France outlook is bleak. The team, led by teamboss Legeay, didn’t recover in time to nail one of the big names that were still on the “marketplace”. Instead, they’ll have to make do with what they’ve got.


But if you think Crédit Agricole is a weak team now, you’re wrong!


First of all they’ve got Norwegian powerhouse, “God of Thunder”, Thor Hushovd. A very accomplished sprinter and 2005 Green jersey winner in the Tour the France. He must be ranked in the top 5 sprinters in the world and since turning Pro in 2000 he’s won many stages and will, no doubt, win a lot more! Also, his supporting “crew” is outstanding, with oldtimer Jaan Kirsipuu (Stagewin in Poland 2005) and New Zealander Julian Dean who’s a fast finisher in his own right. Last year we saw Hinault (no relation to Bernard) involved in several sprints as well, so no worries in the sprinting department!


Crédit Agricole did get some reinforcements, like 2005 stagewinner Charteau (Bouygues), who will be picking his races, and Mark Renshaw (Française des Jeux) in support of the sprinters.
Another rider to mention is Patrice Halgand. This attacker will undoubtedly go for several stages and might be more succesful than last year. He likes the hilly terrains and is a pretty fast finisher. Beside Botcharov and Bellotti, the team can rely on Pietro Chaucchioli in the mountains. Chaucchioli already had a top 3 finish in the Giro d’Italia in 2003 (8th in 2005), no doubt he’ll be in the thick of it again and we might see him shine this coming season. In support of these riders the team also has Saul Raisin. This young rider already had a good Tour of Germany in 2005, riding surprisingly strong in the difficult mountainstages. If there’s a man to watch in this team, it must be this American who could be the upset of the season!


Additions to the team:
Bonnet, Charteau, Edaleine, Engoulvent, Fofonov, Renshaw, Hivert, Marino, Pauriol


Left the team:
Hervé, Joly, Kashechkin, Lequatre, Moreau, Wiggins, Leblacher, Muravyev, Nazon