AG2R signs three for 2010: Bérard, Ravard, Goddaert

AG2R La Mondiale signed cyclists Julien Bérard, Anthony Ravard and Kristof Goddaert for the next two seasons. The French team announced today that it made the decision after the International Cycling Union (UCI) prolonged its ProTour licence for three more years.

Frenchman Anthony Ravard, 26, joins after riding three years with team Agritubel. He won the Tour de Normandie, Circuit de la Sarthe and Classic de l’Indre in 2008 and a stage of the Tour du Poitou-Charentes this season.

Belgian Kristof Goddaert, 22, joins from Belgium's Topsport Vlaanderen. He finished ninth in the 2008 Paris-Tours in his first year as a professional and confirmed his talent this season with several placings, including third at the national championships and Paris-Bruxelles.

Frenchman Julien Bérard, 22, will make his professional debut with AG2R. He won a stage and held the overall jersey for five days at the Tour de l’Avenir this month. He also won a stage of the Ronde de l’Isard and the Tour de l’Ardèche Méridionale overall.