Three to watch

Julien Jurdie Though he never rode professionally, the 41-year-old was a talented all-round athlete. In addition to cycling he was runner-up in the French junior cross-country skiing champs. His DS career started with RAGT Semences in 2004 and the following season he was enlisted by AG2R, where he’s been ever since. Who are his three to watch? “Alexis Gougeard is 21 and comes from Normandy. At under-19 and U23 level he was a time trial specialist but he’s now developing into an outstanding rouleur. He thrives on tougher races and I think he can become a fine Classics and one-week stage race rider. He needs to lose a little weight and he’s still quite shy but everyone at AG2R La Mondiale is convinced he has a great future.” “Emilien Emiennet is a 22-year-old from Besançon who rides for FDJ.fr. Though his first season was tough, his performance at the Tour du Haut-Var suggests that he’s ready to move up a level. He’s particularly strong when the parcours is hilly and if his mentality is right, it’s possible we’ll see him at the front at races like Paris-Nice.” “Many believe that the Australian, Caleb Ewan, will be the next great sprint champion. He’s small, punchy and extremely fast. He doesn’t turn 20 until July but has already beaten the world’s best in the U23 category. He’s expected to join Orica-GreenEdge in August, and already seems to have a strong personality.