2011: Rolland arrives with a big bang and a boost

Whether under the name Bonjour, La Boulangère, Bouygues, Europcar or Direct Energie, the team run by Jean-René Bernaudeau has mostly been one of incredible feats and amazing sagas, from François Simon to Pierrick Fédrigo including Thomas Voeckler and Anthony Charteau. But the performance accomplished on the Alpe d’Huez by Pierre Rolland led the team to a new dimension of heroism. During the most part of the mythical climb, the young French rider was battling with Alberto Contador and Samuel Sánchez, in other words some of the very best climbers on a bicycle. Rolland confidently left the two Spaniards in his wake to win his first stage, combined with a fine climb up the general classification which put him in the White Jersey. As the first French winner on the Alpe d’Huez since Bernard Hinault, the Europcar rider gave rise to a surge of enthusiasm and confidence that encouraged him to be even bolder, as well as the generation of Pinot and Bardet, who drew inspiration from his example.

Direct Energie riders to watch out for on Le Tour 2017: Thomas Voeckler, Lilian Calmejane (Fra)