Feillu finds saviour in Saur-Sojasun

Brice Feillu (Leopard Trek)

Brice Feillu (Leopard Trek) (Image credit: Isabelle Duchesne)

Brice Feillu is hoping to put a dismal year at Leopard-Trek behind him when he rides for French squad Saur-Sojasun next season.

The younger brother of Vacansoleil-DCM rider Romain, Feillu rose to prominence with an impressive stage win in the 2009 Tour de France whilst riding for French squad Agritubel before he signed for Vacansoleil last year, although he only spent one season at the Dutch team.

He was signed by Leopard-Trek for its inaugural and only season as an independent outfit but the presence of both Schleck brothers meant his chances of riding the Tour in 2011 were limited.

He rode the Giro d’Italia but failed to impress and the move to the Pro Conti ranks is an indication of his poor fortunes in 2011.

French daily La Nouvelle Republique reports that Feillu was brought into Saur-Sojasun’s ranks to assist leader Jerome Coppel, who finished 14th overall in this year’s Tour – after the French squad was given a wildcard entry – and showed promise for a top 10 performance in the future.

He’s yet another rider left in difficult circumstances following the merger between RadioShack and Leopard-Trek, with Australian Will Clarke recently announced as signing for Pro Conti outfit Champion Systems for 2012.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1