Ag2r-La Mondiale has been busy securing that the core of its roster will remain intact for the coming seasons by extending the contracts with no less than 10 riders. Most notably, veteran Jean-Christophe Peraud will continue until the end of the 2016 season while youngster Alexis Vuillermoz and Alexis Gougeard have also earned themselves prolonged stays at the team after a great start to their first year with the team.

Like most other French teams, Ag2r-La Mondiale has usually found itsels near the bottom of the WorldTour standings but this year things have changed for the French team. Having gone from success to success and is now fourth in the official rankings of the ProTeams.

Unsurprisingly, the team is keen to continue its impressive performances and so has been busy making sure that some of its key riders will stay with them. Today they have announced contract extensions for no less than 10 riders who will continue to ride in the team colours until the end of the 2016 season.

Most notably, one of the team leaders, Jean-Christophe Peraud, has earned himself a contract extension. He may be 37 years of age but with an overall victory in the Criterium International, podium spots in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and the Tour Med and a 4th place in Tirreno-Adriatico, he has had his most successful season to date. Later this week he will be one of the team's leaders in the Tour de France where he aims for a top 10 finish. He has expressed his desire to do the Giro d'Italia in one of what could be the final two years of his career.

Another key rider to have extended the contract is Samuel Dumoulin whose sprinting skills and punchy climbing has made him one of the strongest assets for the team, especially in the French one-day races. Another fast rider, Lloyd Mondory, will also continue with the team as will attacker Blel Kadri and climber Mikael Cherel.

Climber Hubert Dupont who played a key role in the team's very successful Giro d'Italia, is a team veteran and will stay with the team where he started his professional career. One of the road captains, Sebastien Minard who rode strongly in the cobbled classics, is another rider to extend his contract.

Finally, the team has extended its contract with three youngsters. Alexis Vuillermoz joined the team at the start of the season and has had a fabulous start in his new jersey. He played a key role for Carlos Betancur in Paris-Nice and most recently he finished 11th in the Giro while working for Domenico Pozzovivo.

Neo-pro Alexis Gougeard has already won two races for the team and has been one of the most successful youngsters of the season. Unsurprisingly, the team has been keen to keep him in its ranks while the final rider to have signed a contract extension is Axel Domont who turned professional at the start of the 2013 season.