Having survived a late scare, Jean-Christophe Peraud completed the Tour de France in second place overall to deliver the best French performance since 1997. Having only started his road career a few years ago, the Frenchman now sets his sights on the Giro which he has never done in the past.

It’s official: after the traditional stage on the Champs Elysées, Jean-Christophe Péraud finished 2nd in the Tour de France - a historic performance for the team AG2R LA MONDIALE. The rider from Toulouse has been consistent throughout the three-week race. He hung on in the mountains and he was the only able to follow Nibali on some stages. Very anxious during the hours before the decisive time trial on, he gave his best on the road to get that coveted second place.

“I am proud of this team, they worked so well for me," he said. "It’s thanks to them that I’m here and to see the whole team present on the podium iss a just reward.

"The hardest day of this Tour de France may was the stage to Hautacam where I found myself behind Thibaut (Pinot). That was a bad day for me. I was under less pressure behind Nibali on the stage to Risoul. I suffered but my feelings were still better. Being rewarded after so many efforts during three weeks is always great.

"Competing on road was an adventure that I wanted to try after spending fifteen years on my mountain bike. Omega got me started and I thank them. I still have the desire to discover myself. I’ve never taken part in the Giro and I have two years to do it."
 

Second overall behind Vincenzo Nibali, Peraud had a serious scare on the Champs-Elysées when he crashed 43 kms from the finish line.

"I had realised yesterday already with the tears, I was aware of the importance of my performance. I never do things simply, I added a little last-minute handicap. I had that idea that something would happen.

"I was used as a skittle, I was pushed aside by the whole peloton. According to Christophe Riblon, there was a bottle on the tarmac that cause a big wave and I was taken down. It added a little bit of stress. I needed a little bit of spice on the last day. 

"Above all it was touching after the time trial, now I have put things back into perspective and I could take advantage of the nice view of Paris. I'm glad to see my family again, to return to my roots. Tonight we're going to have dinner together and discuss the past three weeks with a good glass."

 
This result is also the fruit of the work done by the whole team and it’s rewarded by a victory in the team overall standings. That’s a great pride for manager Vincent Lavenu who is attached to values of solidarity.
 
Blel Kadri also won a stage in Gerardmer. This success gave the team a great. The 6th place for Romain Bardet is also a huge satisfaction. Disappointed after the individual time trial to lose his 5th place by only two seconds, the rider from Auvergne knows he did a great performance. He fulfilled the hopes placed in him and this result bodes well for him and the team with which he is engaged until the end of 2016.