The Tour de l'Avenir has found a new lease of life. In addition to the usual interest generated by the most eagerly awaited event of the young riders' calendar, there is now a new form of excitement thanks to the formula adopted in 2007. Inviting national teams to participate has given greater soul to the race. These apprentice champions, who are already used to flying the colours of their team, can now experience the thrills of wearing their nation's jersey. The energy that we have seen attackers, the leaders or their teams pour into the race in the last two editions has convinced us that the values of cycling have been rode to a higher plain".
Christian PRUDHOMME
Director of the Tour de France