Top French cyclist ends season early to rest

Paris - Romain Bardet, who took the king of the mountains title in this year's Tour de France, said on Friday he was ending the season early to "recuperate physically and mentally."

The AG2R rider finished 15th overall on the Tour but after a gruelling campaign said he needed to recharge his batteries.

"After a few days of personal reflection and exchanges with team management it seemed clear there is a need to recuperate physically and mentally to come back stronger next season," said the 28-year-old, targeting an "exciting" 2020.

Team head Vincent Lavenu said the team supported the decision by Bardet, second in the 2016 Tour and third in 2017.

Romain Bardet ends his season

"After a few days of personal reflection and discussions with the management of the team, it became clear to me that I needed to recharge myself physically and mentally to come back stronger next season."

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— AG2RLM Pro Cycling Team (@AG2RLMCyclisme) August 16, 2019