With an 11th place in the Giro 'Italia while working for Domenico Pozzovivo, Alexis Vuillermoz (Ag2r) has been one of the revelations of the 2014 season. The Frenchman is ready to take on more responsibility in 2015 and hopes to return to the Tour de France after a one-year absence.

26-year-old former mountain biker Alexis Vuillermoz has just completed his second season in the pro ranks and the first with a WorldTour team, Ag2r-La Mondiale. With an 11th place, he was one of the big revelations of the Giro d'Italia and won a stage of the Tour du Gevaudan late in the year.

"My best memory was my 11th place in the Giro and the moment when I crossed the finish line on the finale stage," he told CyclismActu in an interview. "It was a fabulous result for me, far beyond my expectations."

Vuillermoz may also have taken a first win but he regards his performance in the grand tour as his best.

"It is true that it was my first win in the pros and it is important to win," he said. "You are often told that only victory counts. A win is really what was missing in my career. But if I have to choose, I will keep the 11th place in the Giro in my memory."

What makes Vuillermoz' performance in the Giro more remarkable is the fact that he was mostly working for Domenico Pozzovivo.

"Yes I had a domestique role. I had to be with Dominico Pozzovivo, especially in mountain stages. But the team also asked me not sit up as wanted to fight for the teams classification which we ultimately won. This allowed me to achieve a good overall result."

With a 12th place in Milan-Turin a few weeks ago, Vuillermoz has done well in the Italian races.

"Maybe. I don't know," he said when asked whether he enjoyed racing in Italy more. "But it's true that I took advantage of my good form of the late season. I was allowed to play my own card in Milan-Turin and I took pleasure in following attacks from Contador and Aru on the climbs."

Vuillermoz turned professional in 2013 with the Sojasun team but has clearly stepped up his level after joining the WorldTour.

"I had a great 2013 season with Saur-Sojasun where I discovered the Tour de France in my first professional year," he said. "I'm happy with my 2014 season. I discovered the world of road racing two years ago after leaving mountain biking. I do not regret my choice. On the contrary, I'm very happy to have chosen the road."

His results have enhanced his status within his team and he now wants to return to the world's biggest race.

"The team gives me more confidence," he said. "I asked to participate in the Tour de France in 2015 but nothing is guaranteed. We'll see. You always have to do the work and prove that you deserve a spot. Everything is based on performance.The level is raised and not everyone can be in the selection. But there are other factors that come into play, like the results of the early season and the state of form.

"I like the stage races. Sportingly, the Giro is probably the one that suits me the best because it is the most mountainous of the three and it is more consistent with my climbing abilities. But the Tour de France, for its reputation and the excitement it creates, remains for me the most beautiful. There is a magical feel with all the spectators along the road. The Tour is huge. The Tour is the most beautiful race in the world."

Vuillermoz feels good in his new team where he is one of a number of promising Frenchmen that is led by Romain Bardet.

"I have a good relationship with everyone and I feel confident in this team," he said. "We are a united group. Many come from the same area and we have a lot in common. When we're together, ww talk a lot about different things than cycling."

Vuillermoz is also part of the reinvigoration of French cycling.

"I am positively inspired," he said. "We have a great generation of French riders. It was unexpected just a few years ago.There is a real reinvigoration of cycling. And it is here to stay."

Like most other riders, Vuillermoz is now heading into the off-season where he will lie the foundations for 2015.

"Since Monday (October 13, ed.), I have done nothing," he said. "Soon I will start doing different activities like running and skiing. I will continue to ride a little bit because it is necessary. 

"From November 17 to 21 we will have a team meeting in Montgenevre with the team. The focus will be on administrative issues in preparation of the new season but we will do some hiking. Later from December 8 to 18, we will do a training camp in Spain."