Sylvain Chavanel has clear plans for 2016. The Frenchman is one of the new signing of Jean-Rene Bernadeau’s Direct Energie team which was known as Europcar in 2015, and he will use his experience to contribute to the growth of the team.

With his eyes firmly focused on the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro where he wants to ride on the track, the 36-year old has told La Nouvelle Republique about his plans for the new year. The first important goal will be Paris - Nice which is very close to his heart thanks to the excellent results he has obtained during his career. Then he will turn his attention to the Northern Classics and finally the Tour de France where he wants to win his first stage since 2010.

Chavanel has spent the last two years at IAM but his contract was not renewed. In 2015 he did all three grand tours.