Thibaut Pinot who will be free at the end of this season, has told L'Equipe that he would like to stay with FDJ but will also conider other proposals. Some rumours have linked him to Sky as the British team wants to win the Tour de France with a French rider.

"I see myself continuing with them, but I’m not going to close other doors. I will study any offers that I receive. But let’s see how this season goes first", he explained. "Marc is confident. I can see that he’s not worried and consequently I’m not worried either. (...) My last contact with other teams, via agents, date back to 2014. I signed a renewal after that year’s Tour. I’ve never been contacted since then."

This year, the FDJ rider will target again the Tour de France and also wants to shine at the Rio Olympics with the national team, in the time trial as well as the road race. "I aspire to reach the level of the other climbers in flat time trials during stage races. When I turned pro at 19, I only had the strength of a junior and used to lose a minute every 10 kilometres, which knocked my motivation. But time trialling is no longer a calvary, it’s now a pleasure."

He is pleased with the course for the Tour.

"Right from the presentation of the 2015 edition, I didn’t have a good feeling about it. But this year I really like the look of it. I’m pleased with the route, and especially with the finish in the Massif Central as early as the fifth day."