After his second place in 2016, Romain Bardet has set his sights on another top result in the Tour de France.

Bardet was present at today's course presentation and liked what he saw.

"The 2017 Tour de France is really attractive with new climbs and a stage finish just beside AG2R LA MONDIALE Pro Cycling Team headquarters," he said. "It will be more challenging to ride the four French mountain ranges. Many stages are unknown and therefore it will be tricky. We will definitely have to be smart to perform.

"The route seems to be less mountainous than last year's which is not an advantage for pure climbers. Izoard will be the most crucial ascent to climb. It is part of the cycling legend.

"Then we will have 36km to ride in time trial stages which is quite a lot. We will have to think carefully about our strategy because the Marseille time trial will be a decisive one. 

"Finally, I am glad the last rest day is located close to my hometown, at the Puy en Velay. "

His manager Vincent Lavenu was even happier.

"I am delighted. We could think Christian Prudhomme wanted to make me happy when we see this 2017 Tour de France," he said.

"One stage will end in Chambéry but it is incredible that we are about to ride in front of my home after the Relais du Chat descent. Another stage will end in Serre Chevallier where I am skiing regularly and we will also have an official start in the city of Briançon where I am born. And I am not talking about the Izoard…

"The organizers dared to come to the Alps once and coming a second time. It promises a ruthless battle. This route appears to be homogenous because there will have stages for sprinters, punchers and climbers. Certain days will be more difficult than othersm especially when riders will have to climb the Grand Colombier and Relais du Chat cols.

"This Tour fits perfectly well riders who have an alpine profile such as Romain Bardet. That's why I can't wait to start this 2017 edition."