Domenico Pozzovivo will race the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya next week. The Ag2r La Mondiale rider will share the leadership with Romain Bardet.

"I had surgery in January in order to have my plate in my tibia fibula removed. I was not on the bike for eight days. I was able to resume training before the scheduled date. So I am happy with my return in Tirreno Adriatico (8th in the overall classification). I was at the top in Italy. A more challenging course would have been better for me, but I am proud of my performance."

"I will race the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya with high ambitions. I will not deprive myself to attack if I have the opportunity. With Romain (Bardet), I should form a good duo to aim at a place in the overall classification. I am confident."

Last year, AG2R La Mondiale had two riders in the top ten of this race with Romain Bardet (4th) and Pozzovivo (8th). Bardet also finished second in the sprint of the 4th stage between Alp and Vallter 2000.

Ag2r La Mondiale roster: Romain Bardet, Carlos Betancur, Hubert Dupont, Mikaël Chérel, Ben Gastauer, Pierre Latour, Sébastien Minard and Domenico Pozzovivo.