Romain Bardet (1990) will begin his fourth professional season on Sunday at the GP La Marseillaise and will again be a part of the Ag2r team. The French climber will try to confirm his excellent 2014 that culminated with a sixth place in the Tour de France. However, he not content and wants to take more steps forward. "I'm anxious to get started. I have trained hard for three months and now I want to race, "he says.

The French cyclist goes into the season with lots of ambitions. "I always want more. I want to confirm the quality and quantity of 2014. I want to progress, but I know my progression may be less spectacular than last year. I want to take a step forward in stage races and improve my position in the classics. The Volta a Catalunya is a first important goal. I dream about Liege-Bastogne-Liege and of course I will do my best in the Tour de France.”

After his excellent season, Bardet has not changed his preparation: "I continued with what worked in the past. My form is good for January. I have no health problems and everything is fine. My first goal is Paris-Nice and then the Volta a Catalunya.”

He knows that the Marseillaise only will be a first test that is more about finding the sensations.  "I am eager to start the season. I trained hard for three months and now I want to race. I have been a professional for four years and I have always started with this race. It's the season opener in France and we always have a good time there. It is the first meeting of the teams, the course is not too long (140 km), and the race is often competitive although it usually ends with a bunch sprint of 30 riders. We have had fun at this race. Our team wants to attack with our rookies .”

Bardet’s schedule for the first part of the season is GP Marseillaise (February 1), Classica de Almeria Almería (15), Vuelta a Andalucía (18-22), Classic Sud Ardèche (28), Drôme Classic (March 1), Paris-Nice (8-15) and Volta a Catalunya (22-29).