Alexis Vuillermoz (Ag2r) has been selected for the spot in the French team for the Olympics that was left vacant by Thibaut Pinot.

"It is a great joy and an honor to represent France in this global event," he said. "I consider this selection important. I really want to be there and worthily represent the colors of France and show myself.

"I have already tried to be there in 2008 and 2012 for the mountain bike race. Starting on the road (in 2013) I had almost given up on participation in the Games. In addition to the Tour de France, it is unexpected that I will do this race and I am very happy.

"The French team will go to Brazil with big ambitions, I won the test event last year and I want to do well. Our riders have the right profile  to win on this course and I hope to bring somehting to the collective. We will have a great strength ffrom this point of view. I have strong memories of the Olympic Games as a spectator. 

"I come from mountain biking and the victory of Julien Absalon in Athens in 2004 is a great memory. Beyond that, I think the multidisciplinary nature of the Games makes the beauty of this event."

The AG2R La Mondiale team will have two riders in the French team with Romain Bardet and Alexis Vuillermoz. Hugo Houle will be part of the Canadian team for the road race and the time trial.