Simon Defrance joins UAE-Emirates XRG

Simon Defrance, an 18-year-old French cyclist, has joined the UAE-Emirates XRG team, which includes Tadej Pogacar. He left his previous team, Soudal-Quick Step, to sign a two-year contract with the team's development squad.

Defrance's focus on junior category

Defrance, a vice-world champion in the junior category, plans to spend at least one year in the junior category before moving to the World Tour. He emphasized the importance of having strong support during his development.

Defrance's racing preferences

He enjoys time trials and short, steep climbs, which are common in classic races. Defrance also noted his ability to sprint in small groups and his preference for races with cobbled sectors and short, steep ascents.

Defrance's ambitions and inspirations

Defrance has already shown promise in Belgian classics and dreams of competing in Paris-Roubaix. He has been compared to Mathieu van der Poel and Mads Pedersen, though he acknowledges he is not as explosive as Van der Poel.

Defrance's role in one-day races

He admires Paul Seixas, who is two years older than him, and aspires to be his counterpart in one-day races rather than aiming for general classifications in multi-stage events.