French outfit Francaise des Jeux on Sunday announced that Philippe Gilbert and Sandy Casar would lead its team, which includes three Tour novices, at this weekend’s Tour de France.
“The choice was not easy because three-quarters of the guys were on the same level,” team boss Marc Madiot told AFP.
Three newcomers, Arnaud Gerard, Yoann Le Boulanger and Jeremy Roy, will make their debuts when the Tour kicks off on Saturday in Brest, northwestern France. Belgian Gilbert won the Het Volk tour in Belgium earlier this year, while Casar won the 18th stage at last year’s Tour.
The French team will also feature sprinter Sebastien Chavanel and climber Remy Di Gregorio, but will be without Mickael Delage.
Francaise des Jeux team for the Tour de France:
Sandy Casar (FRA), Sebastien Chavanel (FRA), Remy Di Gregorio (FRA), Arnaud Gerard (FRA), Philippe Gilbert (BEL), Lilian Jegou (FRA), Yoann Le Boulanger (FRA), Jeremy Roy (FRA), Benoit Vaugrenard (FRA).