Thibaut Pinot has put signed a new two-year deal that will see him remain with FDJ until the end of the 2018 season. The Frenchman's contract was due to terminate at the end of the current season. Earlier this year, Pinot went on record saying that he would study offers from other teams, though he also pointed out that he saw himself staying with the French national lottery-sponsored WorldTour outfit.

"I didn't see myself leaving despite some better offers, which came from good foreign teams," said Pinot, according to L'Equipe. "Being approached was gratifying, and I listened to what they were offering."

Since joining the ranks of professional riders in 2010 Pinot has emerged as a leading French stage race hope for a nation that has waited three decades for a native conqueror of the Tour de France. He finished in the top 10 at his debut Tour de France in 2012 and got himself on the podium in 2014 before a disappointing performance last year was redeemed by a famous win atop Alpe d'Huez.

Going into the Tour this year, Pinot exudes confidence, having improved significantly in his time trialling and the French will certainly expect him to be one of the contenders for the maillot jaune.