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Antoine Duchesne not returning to Direct Energie in 2018

The squad's principal won't negotiate with the Chicoutimi, Que., rider's agent, reports

Antoine Duchesne
Antoine Duchesne climbs the Muur van Geraardsbergen during the 2017 Tour of Flanders. Image: Stefano Sirotti

Antoine Duchesne will not be riding with Direct Energie in 2018. After four years with the French organization, the native of Chicoutimi, Que., announced that the remaining months of the 2017 season will be his last with the team.

The reason for his departure stems from his hiring of an agent to represent him in contract negotiations. When speaking with La Presse earlier this week, Duchesne said that team manager Jean-René Bernaudeau “refuses to work through middle-men or agents during contract negotiations” and because of this, Bernaudeau “would no longer consider him for the team in 2018.”

During his time with Direct Energie, formerly known as Team Europcar, Duchesne was an essential part of the team’s classics roster. Riding races like the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, E3 Harelbeke and Omlooop Het Nieuwsblad. The Canadian also showed the ability to contribute in stage races, famously winning the climber’s jersey at the Paris-Nice in 2016.