Valjavec renews with AG2R La Mondiale

Slovenian Tadej Valjavec renewed his contract through next season with France's AG2R La Mondiale, the team announced on Saturday.

Valjavec starts the Vuelta a España three-week stage race in Assen, Netherlands. He wants to finish in the top ten overall, adding to his ninth place at the Giro d'Italia in May.

"I'd also like to win a stage, which a Slovenian rider has never done," he said. "I really want to be the first to do so, especially since a lot of the stages suit my style."

Valjavec turned professional in 2000 with Fassa Bortolo. He rode with Phonak and Lampre before joining AG2R in 2008. In his first year with AG2R,he placed 13th at the Giro d'Italia and 10th at the Tour de France.

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