Mixed emotions for RAGT Semences

With a final stage win in the Tour de l'Avenir from Sébastien Minard and sixth overall to Eric Berthou in the same race, struggling French team RAGT Semences has pronounced itself extremely pleased with the performances of its young squad. The team is folding at the end of this season, but with plenty of talented young riders on the roster, strong performances are vital at contract negotiation time.

Berthou is one of the riders looking to secure an employer for 2006, and sixth place overall won't hurt his chances. The young Frenchman says he learnt a lot during the tour. "From a personal point of view, I have learnt to ride out front," he said. "It's the first time I found myself in that situation and I have to admit that I liked it. I've learnt to cope with the pressure." B

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