Nacer Bouhanni presented a good disposition in the first months of 2014 season with two stage wins claimed for FDJ, including one at the Paris-Nice before he pulled out of competition following the crash. Reportedly the 23-year old sprinter was recovering well after the accident, however, his French WorldTour outfit still decided to chose Arnaud Demare as their fast finisher for Milano-Sanremo, what forced the former to reconsider his options for the future in professional cycling.

Even though they rarely get an opportunity to race in the same events, there certainly is a indirect battle between aggressive Bouhanni and more thoughtful Demare to become a protected sprinter at FDJ. Despite entirely different styles, both fast finishers were so far going neck to neck providing the team with comparable amount of stage victories, but now it seems that the latter gained a slight advantage after he has been appointed a leader for La Primavera and reportedly is close to extending his contract for next two years with the French outfit.

While his 22-year old team-mate led FDJ in the season’s first monument, Bouhanni recovered enough from his Paris-Nice crash to participate in the Cholet-Pays De Loire. It turns out, however, that Milano-Sanremo initially featured in the race programme of the older Frenchman and he couldn’t hide disappointment after missing one of his biggest goals of 2014 season.

"I was really upset not to be selected," Bouhanni told L'Equipe.

"I don't understand why because my race program had been established a while back. It was team decision. I've tried not to think about it too much but Milan-San Remo was a real goal for me. It's a race that I have always dreamt about but I didn’t get a chance to ride it."

It has to be a tense atmosphere at FDJ with two young and ambitious sprinters rivaling for a leadership in season’s major events and after Demare emerged victorious from their last encounter, the situation is about to be repeated in regards to the Tour de France coming in July. Bouhanni emphasizes the importance of debuting in the French grand tour this year, as its 101st edition goes past his home area in Vosges.

"I hope so. Especially because it goes past my home area in the Vosges," he said.

The 23-year old Frenchman also admitted that FDJ’s final selection for the Tour de France will have a serious impact on a decision regarding his future in the professional peloton, as his current contract expires with the end of this year.

As a result of missing out on selection for Milano-Sanremo, Bouhanni wants to meet up with team’s manager Marc Madiot and have his season’s objective clarified before making any further decision. The 23-year old sprinter also suggested that extending contract with FDJ is not his only option for the future as professional cyclist.

"I haven't spoken (to Madiot) yet. But I hope to do so soon and especially before the Tour. I want to understand the conditions, the objectives and the programmes for the future," he said.

"Quite a few teams have shown interest. I've had several propositions and I'm going to look at them. For now I feel good at FDJ.fr and we'll see what the management proposes."