Second year neo-professional Lilian Calmejane has inked a two-year extension with Direct Energie. The 24-year-old won a stage at the Tour de France on his debut at the race in July.
With Thomas Voeckler retiring, and Bryan Coquard leaving the Pro-Continental team at the end of 2017, Calmejane will take on the mantle as a team captain. Calmejane has enjoyed a breakout season so far in 2017 with stage wins and overall victories at Etoile de Bessèges, Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali, and Circuit Cycliste Sarthe-Pays de la Loire.
"There are quite a few factors that are taken into account. There is already the fact that the team is taking a new turn, where I will have a leading role to assume," Calmejane said of his decision to re-sign. "It is true that I had a fairly rapid progression and that I have many ambitions. Direct Energie trusts me and offers me a long-term project.
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"Like the majority of the team today, I went through Vendée U. Jean-René (Bernaudeau) gave me my chance," he added of the team manager and the team's development squad. "Passing through Vendée U, it allowed me to have a progression over four years and to have today the responsibilities I have within Direct Energie. I have a moral duty to the team, I do not want to disappoint them."
Calmejane's first season in the pro ranks included several top-ten results before he claimed a win at the Vuelta a España on his Grand Tour debut. In 2017, the Albi native has gone to another level with the Tour de France a highlight. Along with his stage win, Calmejane also wore the polka dot jersey and was awarded the combativity award on stage three and eight.
While Calmejane wants more success from the season, he is looking forward to continuing his development with Direct Energie.
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