After taking fourth in last year's edition of the race, Matteo Montaguti will get a rare chance to lead Ag2r at Sunday's Trofeo Laigueglia.

"I am satisfied with my return to racing in January at the Tour Down Under," he said. "Since my return I have worked well. I chose to go to a triaing camp in Gran Canaria to start my European season and I could do good training rides with temperatures around 25°C and with a lot of elevation which is not to be found at home at this time of the year.

"Last year, I had already done ​​a similar preparation but I arrived just in time for Trofeo Laigueglia and I took the start with a little fatigue. If I have a good feeling, I will not hesitate to attack. I finished fourth last year, but I can not afford to wait for a bunch sprint. I lack the power for that.

"After Trofeo, I'll do the Tour du Haut - Var (February 20-21). I think this race could suit me. Then I will prepare for Strade Bianche (March 5) that is close to my heart."

Ag2r for Trofeo Laigueglia

François BIDARD
Guillaume BONNAFOND
Maxime DANIEL
Nico DENZ (All)
Ben GASTAUER
Quentin JAUREGUI
Blel KADRI
Pierre LATOUR
Mattéo MONTAGUTI