A PIVOTAL season in James McLaughlin’s career is about to start in earnest following the launch of the Sojasun Espoir team.

It is the feeder team of Saur-Sojasun, a French Pro-Continental team which raced the Tour de France last year, and the Sarnian will be racing for them this year.

The aim of McLaughlin’s team is to develop young talent to a level at which they can compete successfully on the European professional circuit.

‘It is a great opportunity for me being part of such a well-respected team in France,’ said the Guernsey rider.