The RAGT Semances team for 2005 (Image credit: Daniel Schamps)
The 2005 line-up of the RAGT Semences cycling team was presented to the media at the Maison du Sport in Paris. Officially registered as a Professional Continental team, RAGT (a biotech farming company) has a youthful new spirit, as Alain Fabre, Chairman of RAGT's surveillance council stated:
"The values dear to cycling are very close to those in the world of farming. How is it possible not to feel emotionally involved when you consider how much importance we attach to effort, tenacity and courage, topped with a great sense of sacrifice. We're very positive both RAGT Semences road potential and for our agricultural clients in the field. I'm persuaded that 2005 will be every bit as fulfilling as 2004."
Seven new young riders, including four Belgians, all from the Elites 2 category will join the team in 2005: Emilien-Benoit Bergès, Hubert Dupont, Sébastien Minard for the new French riders and Xavier Hérinne, Kevin Ista, Olivier Kaisen, Guillaume Lernould for the new Belgians. Apart from that, Benjamin Levecot (MBK-Oktos) and Nicolas Dulac, who started with RAGT last August, will also be part of the team. Experienced riders such as Eddy Seigneur, Christophe Rinero and Guillaume Auger will help assist the young riders.
Manager Serge Barle commented, "We have every reason to be very hopeful indeed given how close-knitted the group is. With this sort of potential at our fingertips, we've got a fine challenge on our hands."
RAGT Semences will race a very similar program to 2004, although it will have to rely on wild card entries for ProTour races. The team will hit the road on Tuesday, February 1 at the start of the Grand Prix d'Ouverture "La Marseillaise" before continuing with traditional events in the shape of the Etoile de Bessèges, Tour Méditerranéen, Tour du Haut Var, Critérium des Espoirs and Classic Haribo.
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Images by AFP Photo
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