MEN’S WORLDTEAMS
AG2R CITROEN
France
Total riders: 28
Under 26: 10
Over 35: 1
Key stat:2020 was the first year Ag2r failed to win a race outside of France since 2013
The exit of Romain Bardet, along with many of his climbing lieutenants, signals the end of an era. Ag2r’s marquee new signing of Greg Van Avermaet indicates a shift from targeting GC at the Tour to muddying their notorious brown shorts in the spring Classics. Was the 35-year-old, who endured a winless 2020, really the best use of the extra funds enabled by new sponsor Citroën? Perhaps not, and with more long-term recruitments expected for 2022 (Julian Alaphilippe has been rumoured), and young prospects like Benoît Cosnefroy and Clément Champoussin still developing, this looks set to be a transitional season.
ASTANA-PREMIER TECH
Kazakhstan
Total riders: 27
Under 26: 15
Over 35: 2
Key stat: Last year’s total of 15 wins was the team’s lowest since 2011
Pub quiz enthusiasts beware: the capital of Kazakhstan is no longer called Astana, even as it continues to give its name to this cycling team funded by the government to boost the country’s image (which presumably was not helped by the recent release of a new Borat film). It was a Russian, Alexander Vlasov, who was the focus during the off-season amid rumours of a transfer to Ineos Grenadiers, but the team were determined to keep their rising GC contender, considered essential now Miguel Angel López has left. Vlasov aside, they can rely on Il Lombardia winner Jakob Fuglsang for success in one-week stage races and hilly Classics.
BAHRAIN VICTORIOUS
Bahrain
Total riders: 26
Under 26: 10
Over 35: 3
The team placed five riders
