Arkea-Samsic signs Nacer Bouhanni and another five riders
Oct 02 2019 11:13 pm CET
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Arkea-Samsic has announced the signings of Nacer Bouhanni, Thomas Boudat, Daniel McLay, Christophe Noppe, Benjamin Declercq and Lukasz Owsian.
The French team continues strengthening its roster with the objective of becoming a WorldTour team. The next block of signings have the purpose of improving the sprinting qualities of the formation and is headed by French talent Bouhanni, who makes a move after spending five seasons in Cofidis.
"I am very happy to race for Arkea-Samsic in the coming seasons," said Bouhanni. "For me, it’s a new beginning. I will start the season as if I had never won anything. I did not ask to come with a specific staff or specific riders, I want to focus on myself, for the rest, I trust the management of the team.
"I have character, I will not deny it but I think that it is the case for all top athletes. Over the years, I learn, I evolve, I made mistakes in my career — in the way I communicated or behaved — but I’m not a bad boy. At first glance, I am rather reserved, even shy, yet I like the contact. I immediately had a good feeling with Emmanuel (Hubert, general manager). It played a big part in my decision. Some races make me dream: Milan-Sanremo, a stage on the Tour, but for now, I just want to win. This year is the first year I haven’t won as a pro. I want to get back to my winning ways and grow with the team."
Hubert is pleased about these new signings. "In 2020, we want to be like a WorldTour team," he explained. "We know that 70% of the races end up in a sprint; we had to strengthen the team in that department. For a sprinter, every detail matters and I will rely on Sébastien Hinault to coordinate. Nacer Bouhanni will be our number one sprinter. He has huge qualities. He has been through two difficult years, he must regain confidence and bond with the riders who will launch his sprints.
"We have recalled Dan McLay, whom we know well, to support him in the final straights, I think there is good potential chemistry between the two. We aim to be competitive on several fronts. Thomas Boudat will have all the freedom to express himself. I believe we are presenting a full group with great sprinting potential. Our riders are ready to work a lot this winter to put everything in place and be efficient on race days."
Bouhanni, Boudat, Noppe and Owsian have signed two-year contracts with the French team while McLay and Declercq reached one-year agreements with the formation.
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