Thomas Voeckler will start his 16th season in the professional peloton. The French rider does not think about retirement even if he knows that he is closer to the end of his career. Interviewed by AFP, the Direct Energie leader told about his feeling for the new season.

"I’m closer to the end [of my career] than I am to the beginning. But for the moment I’m still keen to continue, I still feel motivated to race. For now, I’m just thinking about 2016." He added: "That doesn’t mean retirement next season, more that I want to be sure of enjoying my racing and that I’m able to contribute something to the team. I want a good year in 2016, and an even better one for the team."

Pierre Rolland and Cyril Gautier decided to leave the team during the transfer season. But Voeckler is convinced that his team is still competitive with Bryan Coquard and Sylvain Chavanel. "We have one of the youngest sprinters in the world and he needs support, not just financial, but in terms of time and personnel. We’ll be working on our sprints without losing our attacking philosophy with riders like [new signing Sylvain] Chavanel, Fabrice Jeandesboz and Romain Sicard.” It is, Voeckler said, as if the team were starting anew “and that’s a good feeling."

The Frenchman will start his season in Africa at the Tropicale Amissa Bongo. He has confirmed that he will take part both Paris-Nice and the Tour de France this season.