The AG2R CITROËN team has signed Paul Lapeira, 21, and Valentin Paret Peintre, 20, for two and three years respectively.
Both from the AG2R CITROËN U23 team, Chambéry Cyclisme Formation, they will join the professional squad for the 2022 season.
[su_quote cite=]Vincent Lavenu
«These are two riders we have been following for a long time. They come from our training centre, which validates the quality of the work we have been doing for 20 years. Paul is a puncher and a winner. Valentin is a true climber, capable of excelling in mountain stages. We are delighted to welcome them to our team.»[/su_quote]
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Paul Lapreira
Born on 21 February 2000.
Lives in Grandparigny (Manche)
Third place in the road race at the 2021 French Amateur Championships
Winner of the Saint-Etienne Loire Grand Prix and the San Vendeiamo Trade and Industry Grand Prix
«It's a childhood dream come true. When I was 10 years old, I would say professional cyclist when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. This is just the beginning; I want to have a long and successful career as a professional. I spent five years with AG2R CITROËN TEAM, so it was the logical next step to continue the story. I know what I'm getting into, and that gives me confidence.» [/su_quote] [su_row][su_column size=»1/2"]
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VALENTIN PARET-PAINTER
Born on 14 January 2001.
Originally from Annemasse (Haute Savoie), lives in Chambéry (Savoie).
Winner of the 2019 Junior Classique des Alpes
Fifth in the 2021 French Amateur Championships
«It's a great pleasure to turn professional. When you're little, you watch the Tour de France and start dreaming. Today, that dream has come true. It's not an achievement because there's still a lot to do, but it's already something to be proud of. Joining the AG2R CITROËN team was an obvious choice. I've been in the business for four years. I'm joining my brother (Aurélien), which will make things easier for me. We're very happy for our family, who will now be able to come and see us both in the same races. When we were young, we never imagined that one of us would turn professional, let alone both of us... it's really wonderful.» [/su_quote]
THE FIGURE
20
Chambéry Cyclisme Formation, established in September 2001, is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year.
The structure promotes a dual programme combining academic or university studies with high-level sports training. Since 2006, more than forty of its residents have turned professional.
NEWS
35 kilometres by bike this morning
Dorian Godon, Oliver Naesen, Ben O'Connor, Aurélien Paret Peintre, Michaël Schär and Greg Van Avermaet completed a 35-kilometre training ride. Benoit Cosnefroy, meanwhile, completed a session on the home trainer.
