AG2R La Mondiale are currently on 'no bikes' training camp in the Isere region of France. The goal of the 'no bikes' training camp is to take part in alternative activities such as cross-country skiing, as well as to hold numerous meetings for the riders, the staff and the technical partners of the team. This gives them the chance to refine the program for every rider.
As a result, the main structure of Romain Bardet's program has now been established. He will definitely take part in the Tour de France, but will not be at the Giro d’Italia. Both of the races had been under consideration by AG2R for the participation of the two-time Tour de France podium-getter.
"It’s always great to meet at this training camp for the first time in the new season," Vincent Lavenu, general manager of the AG2R LA MONDIALE team, explained. "This is the fourth year we have come to Vaujany in the heart of the mountains of Oisans. The conditions are ideal to kick off operations for another year. Our team is growing every year, and we have big ambitions both for the stage races and the classics.
"After having conscientiously studied and considered the different possibilities, Romain Bardet will not double up on the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France. It would have been an exciting challenge but the Tour de France parcours is more favorable for him than the Giro, and it seemed more appropriate to focus on the Grande Boucle."
Bardet was similarly enthusiastic about his 2019 schedule.
"Now that we are resuming serious training,' said Bardet, "I am happy to announce what will constitute the framework of my objectives for next season. In 2019 I will participate in the Tour de France as my main goal."
It would have been the first time that the Frenchman appeared at the Giro, with Bardet having six Tours de France to his name and a single Vuelta.
"I have for some time wanted to compete at the Giro as well," said Bardet, 'and there was a real, sincere and constructive discussion with the staff of the team about the goals that we have shared now over many seasons. But in the final analysis of the course for the Tour de France and that of the Giro, it led us to the conclusion that I will have more opportunities to shine at the Tour.
"In addition to that, the prospect of having a stage in my hometown of Brioude counted for a lot as well. But above all, this is a rational decision guided by sporting necessities and choices. We have built a balanced and interesting program to ramp up to form in July, including Paris-Nice, the Tour of Catalonia and the Critérium du Dauphiné.
"As for the Giro, this is really only a postponement because I definitely want to race there soon and with high ambitions."
