There was a lot of scepticism when AG2R was introduced into the ProTour. Another French team entering the Champions League of cyclism whitout anybody knowing what they had to offer. With a solid base and a few in-depth purchases the team managed to keep their head above water. But at the end the loot was a bit disappointing (four ProTour victory's).


But the quantity of victory's isn't all that's important. Even without Francisco Mancebo - who left AG2R due to involvement in the Fuentes-scandal - manager Lavenu's team showed their good intentions. With a stagewin in every grand tour, a days yellow jersey in the Tour and a stagewin at the Dauphiné, AG2R managed to get regular publicity. The lacuna Mancebo left with his departure was suprisingly well filled in. With an improved Moreau and a surprising Dessel, Mancebo was soon forgotten. During the Giro the crossrider Gadret suprised everyone with his climbing abilities.


Lavenu left the base for the tours untouched. He'd rather see the young riders flourish. To have a broader selection for the classics AG2R attracted the experienced Elmiger and hill specialist Nocentini, two fine riders. Other new riders to the insuranceteam are the Estonian Mandri (second at the youngest EK for juniors), the French neo-pro’s Rousseau, Sonnery and Stéphane Poulhies who’d already signed in august.


But not only new assets were gained, there were also some departures. Astarloza decided to pack his suitcases and fly back to his home country by choosing Euskaltel. The Baltic riders Pütsep (Bouygues Telecom) and Vaitkus (Discovery Channel) also went elsewhere. Former Junior World Champion Scanlon couldn't fully exploit his potential and considered quitting altogether. At the last minute he chose for a change of scenery to join Toyota-United Pro team. Chaurreau didn't follow his Irish colleague's example and ended a long career.


To make a long story short, Lavenu has a reasonably good sprinting couple (Nazon and Usov), a couple for the general classification (Dessel and Moreau) and for the slopes he can rely on Calzati, Gerrans and Naibo. Accumulated with the quick Dion and Mondory and the climbing potential possesed by Dupont it looks like another year as 'best French ProTourteam' for AG2R.


New:
Martin Elmiger (Phonak), René Mandri (Auber ´93), Rinaldo Nocentini (Acqua & Sapone), Nicolas Rousseau, Blaise Sonnery (neo), Stéphane Poulhies (augustus, neo)


Departed:
Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel), Erki Pütsep (Bouygues Telecom), Tomas Vaitkus (Discovery Channel), Mark Scanlon (Toyota-United), Inigo Chaurreau (retired), Francisco Mancebo (Relax-GAM)