AG2R Takes on the Tour de France 2023
The Tour de France is one of the most exciting and famous bike races in the world, and we’re proud to partner with the AG2R Citroën Cycling Team to provide riders with premium performance eyewear and cheer them along at every stage. AG2R is one of the longest continuously-running competitive cycling teams, boasting numerous stage victories and podium celebrations to their name, and they have had an amazing year. Let’s take a look at their team history and everything they’ve accomplished at the Tour de France 2023.
A Historic Tour de France Team
As one of the longest continuously-running competitive cycling teams, AG2R has a lot of history when it comes to this race but one of our favorite Tour fun facts comes from their other sponsor, the car company Citroën. Legend has it that the Deux Chevaux model is behind the way that Tour de France climbs are categorized. The Category 2, 3, and 4 climbs are associated with the same gear in the car needed to get to the top. “Hors categorie” or “above category” were the hills that the small car couldn’t quite make it over.
Standout Moments for AG2R
Breakout Tour for Felix Gall
Stage 06 saw AG2R’s Felix Gall don the Polka dot jersey. This marked Gall as an up-and-coming rider to watch, which Gall cemented in the 17th stage. Stage 17, Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc to Courchevel, was designated the “Queen” stage of this year’s Tour, a title given to the hardest stage of the year, often the stage with the most climbing. With the help of teammate and leader Ben O’Connor, Gall broke away from his group with 13k to go, and not one rider was able to match his pace up the climb or through the following hairpin turns toward the finish.
Two Third Place Stage Finishes for Ben O’Connor
After a long day in the breakaway, in the 10th stage, Australian rider Ben O’Connor held off a few chasing riders to secure third place. It was a fierce ride for sure from the team leader and the excitement of the team could be felt crackling across the team radio on the broadcast.
O’Connor repeated that success in the 19th stage in a strong breakaway to take the number three spot on the podium for the second time in this year’s tour.
The Sunglasses They’re Wearing on the Road
While riders might speed by in a blur, we’ve got the inside line on what eyewear the team wears on the Tour. For their coverage and versatility, riders on AG2R choose the Shift MAG, the Wildcat, and the Bobcat.
