When Cycles Peugeot was founded back in 1882, it’s fair to say that the e-bike debate was yet to really kick off. Fast forward nearly a century and a half however and the brand is backing a bold new squad tasked with claiming e-bike gold for France.
Peugeot fielded an explorative effort last season at both EWS-E rounds which was fronted by the experienced Nico Lau. For 2021 they’ve gone ‘all-in’ and bolstered the squad with some big signings, including a rider who has already secured a rather sizable piece of history. Yannick Pontal won the first ever EWS-E race at Specialized EWS-E Zermatt, narrowly pipping Nicolas Vouilloz in the process. The two were teammates on Lapierre but Yannick has now decided to sign with the new-look Peugeot set-up.
“I am very happy to join the Peugeot cycles team with my friend Mathieu Ruffray. It's a new page and an exciting project for the brand and us. Everyone has been very active since the start of our signing and I am looking forward to defending the Peugeot colors at the highest level in the world.” Yannick Pontal
Also joining the squad is another former Lapierre rider, Mathieu Ruffray. Morgane Jonnier returns to the team having raced for them last time out alongside Jean-Roch Vecten. The team will take on EWS, EWS-E and French Cup races throughout the year. It’s also possible to glimpse the final intriguing part of the line-up in their launch video – a blacked-out new Peugeot race machine. We’re excited to check it out in person when racing gets underway later in the year!
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