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Peter Sagan Joins Team TotalEnergies

By Monica Buck

The French second division team announced with “immense pride” that they have signed the three-time world champion as they continue to build their squad to get to the UCI WorldTour. Along with Sagan, riders Maciej Bodnar and Daniel Oss will also join TotalEnergies from Bora-Hansgrohe. There are numerous brands coming on board as well. For example, the bike manufacturer Specialized, the clothing brand Sportful, new shoes, tyres, helmets, wheels, etc.

Peter Sagan did well at the beginning of the season before it was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He took his first win at the Volta a Catalunya and then won the points jersey at the Giro. Unfortunately, he crashed at the Tour and was forced to retire later in the race.

“This new adventure is very exciting,” Sagan was quoted in a press release. “Jean-René is a manager who wants to change the lines in the world of cycling, I hope to be able to help this team to achieve it, and to win many races under these new colours. For now, of course, I remain focused on the end of season goals with my current team, and I will join my new formation with a winning spirit this winter.”

Surprisingly, Sagan did not take his brother Juraj and another Slovak, Erik Baška, with him. Both currently ride for Bora-Hansgrohe. It is not known if Sagan will race again for his current team. However, we’re likely going to see him at the World Championships in Leuven and possibly at the European Championships in Italy.

Team TotalEnergies manager, Jean-René Bernaudeau, told the press: “Recruiting Peter is obviously an incredible source of pride. He is undoubtedly the most popular runner in the world, he is an exceptional talent, he makes us change dimensions. This recruitment is above all the marker of sporting ambition.

“Peter is a huge competitor, everyone knows that and, above all, he will bring us victories: we are counting on him for that. The arrival of such a champion, a bicycle and accessories supplier like Specialized and a clothing partner like Sportful, these are accelerators for our sporting project, it is a new attraction for the talents of tomorrow.

“Peter will be a key part of our system on the Classics and the Tour. He will bring us a lot of sporting also through his experience, and will help us to move the group forward.”

How do you think Peter will do in his new team? Will he win another Škoda Green Jersey?