The sixth stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné took place on June 6, with cyclists arriving in Combloux, Haute-Savoie. Sébastien Joly, the sports director of the Savoyard team Decathlon AG2R, provided insights on the early days of the competition and discussed the future of the team.
Starting on Sunday, the Critérium du Dauphiné is now heading into mountainous territory with the latest leg covering 139 km from Valserhône to Combloux. Yesterday, Bastien Tronchon of the Decathlon AG2R team finished 10th in the final sprint, while Jordan Labrosse was involved in an escape before being caught near the finish line.
When asked about the challenging mountain stages approaching, Joly noted that they have two key riders, Clément Berthet and Paul Seixas, focused on the general classification, contrasting with the earlier days where the team rallied around Tronchon. Joly emphasized a strategic shift as they approach the climbs, allowing other riders like Bruno Armirail and local talent Aurélien Paret-Peintre to seek opportunities in breakaways.
Seixas, regarded as a rising star in French cycling, is making his debut in a major competition like the Critérium. Joly remarked on Seixas’s relaxed demeanor amidst the high-pressure environment, indicative of his maturity and abilities in handling the challenges, including public scrutiny and media presence.
Reflecting on the past year, Joly mentioned the completion of a significant transition within the team, marked by 30 victories in 2024 but also the departure of founder Vincent Lavenu. He highlighted the need for adaptation in a rapidly changing global cycling landscape, stating that living near the team’s operational hub aids in effective collaboration.
In terms of recruitment for next season, Joly confirmed that official announcements would be made on August 1, as per regulations, and indicated ongoing foundational work in this regard.
Overall, the upcoming stages of the Critérium are expected to be pivotal for the team, and there’s an optimistic outlook as they aim to utilize their strengths and emerging talent effectively. With their eyes set on remaining within the top five globally, the team is poised to navigate the challenges of the competition ahead.