SRAM and AG2R LA MONDIALE
SRAM and AG2R LA MONDIALE
Paul Horta-Hopkins
SRAM and AG2R LA MONDIALE sign multi-year partnership
SRAM are once again sponsoring French WorldTour team Ag2r-La Mondiale for the 2015 season. Ag2r-La Mondiale will be riding 2015’s Grand Tours and Monuments equipped with SRAM components, Zipp wheels and Quarq power measurement.
AG2R-La Mondiale prepare for the season on SRAM equipped bikes. Photo: Victor Lucas
French cycling has been going through something of a renaissance and last year saw Ag2r-La Mondiale’s Jean-Christophe Péraud place second overall in the Tour de France and win the team classification in the Giro. Team Manager Vincent Lavenu said, “The first value that we highlight within the team is working together, with one another and with sponsors. Last year, especially at the Tour de France, we got a taste of results at the highest level and we tell ourselves that everything is possible.” He went on to say of the partnership, “We are pleased to partner with SRAM because we know they provide us with the most advanced technologies and equipment to allow our riders to reach the top.”
AG2R-La Mondiale will be powered by SRAM Red for 2015
AG2R-LA MONDIALE rode on SRAM components previously from 2010-2012, before a brief change to Campagnolo. Interestingly AG2R-LA MONDIALE will be the only SRAM sponsored team in the World Tour this year. “AG2R LA MONDIALE is the perfect partner for SRAM at the UCI WorldTour level. The team is one of the most experienced and respected in the pro peloton. They share our culture of collaboration, innovation and performance,” SRAM President Stan Day said. “Our sponsorship of AG2R LA MONDIALE positions SRAM to be highly involved with team staff and riders throughout the season so they are best prepared for races. It also allows us to more effectively advance product development and testing.”
AG2R-La Mondiale’s work horse, the Izalco MAX. Photo: Victor Lucas
The team will be riding Focus’ Izalco Max frame, equipped with SRAM RED components. This will give team riders access to SRAM’s WiFLi derailleur, allowing them to use 11-30 or 11-32 cassettes for crucial mountain stages and Quarq’s RED 22 power meter. For time trials they will use Focus’ Izalco Chrono MAX, again equipped with SRAM RED and using R2C aero shifters.
Focus’ Izalco Chrono MAX will be AG2R-La Mondiale’s TT machine. Photo: Victor Lucas
Wheels will be supplied by Zipp, whose wheels have already been ridden to victory at the Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix and World Championships. Zipp’s Director of Advanced Development Michael Hall said. “AG2R LA MONDIALE is already among the world’s best and is committed to improvement. We’re excited to be working with this team because by helping them we develop faster, more durable and more advanced wheels. We spend hours in the wind tunnel and on computers running simulations, but true innovation is not possible without being out with the pros at team camps or on the cobblestones testing.”
The team will be riding on Zipp wheels. Photo: Victor Lucas
Key riders for 2015 are;
– Jean-Christophe Péraud (France) – Silver medalist from mountain bike cross-country in Beijing confirmed his road ability with second at the Tour de France.
– Romain Bardet (France) – Sixth at the 2014 Tour de France.
– Samuel Domenico Pozzovivo (Italy) – This strong climber was fifth at 2014 Giro.
– Carlos Betancur (Colombia): 2014 Paris-Nice winner.
– Christophe Riblon (France) – Won legendary Alpe d’Huez stage in 2013 Tour de France.
– Johan Vansummeren (Belgium) — Winner of the 2011 Paris-Roubaix adds team strength for the Spring Classics.
– Jan Bakelants (Belgium) – Has won a stage in the Tour de France and has worn the race leader’s yellow jersey.
– Samuel Dumoulin (France) – Sprinter set for the bunch finishes or breakaway opportunities.
AG2R-La Mondiale prepare for the upcoming season. Photo: Victor Lucas
“Wearing the AG2R LA MONDIALE jersey, for me, means pride. Everyone is happy to be working together and with SRAM. Last year’s victory in the team rankings at the Tour de France confirms that we are a real team, a real family,” AG2R LA MONDIALE rider Christophe Riblon said. “I’m impressed with improvements made to SRAM components. The shifting is extremely accurate, dependable and smooth. I also noticed the braking power.”
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