Having selected seven riders last Monday, Ag2r finalized their Tour de France roster after yesterday's national Championships. Samuel Dumoulin and Ben Gastauer got the final two spots in a team that will be led by Romain Bardet.

Last week Ag2r announced the core of the team that will support leader Romain Bardet at the Tour de France. Mikael Cherel, Alexis Vuilelrmoz, Domenico Pozzovivo and Cyril Gautier were selected as the key domestiques in the mountains while Jan Bakelants was brought in for the hilly terrain and as a joker to go for a stage win. Alexis Gougeard was given the job to bring the leader safely through the flat stages.

Manager Vincent Lavenu left two spots open for riders to vie for at their national championships. After a splendid fourth place in France, Samuel Dumoulin earned a place in his final pro season while Ben Gastauer will again provide valuable support in the mountains.

"It seemed logical to select Gastauer who is a great teammate," Lavenu said. "He will still be very valuable and is completely devoted to his job. Samuel Dumoulin has shown exceptional form at the French Championships. He also has the role as road captain and can support the leaders. He got the last spot."

"This validates my sacrifices to improve my condition," Dumoulin said. "I will assume my role as road captain which are y responsibilities. This shows the confidence of my teammates and the team. It's a personal satisfaction. It will be my 12th Tour de France and I know I can bring something to the group and I'm in a great shape.

"It would have been unrealistic not to go to the Tour de France. Last year, when I said no to the Tour, I thought that I would never go back. This winter, I left a door open. I look differently at the future now. I do not have too much of a plan. I'm back for a great adventure in a super team with great guys."

"I am very pleased to be selected for the Tour de France," Gastauer said. "We have a very good group which is ambitious. I'll do my best to make my contribution to the building."