2018 has been the Port Macquarie product’s first season with the French registered squad after moving from WM3 Procycling last season.

She has enjoyed her time with her new team.

“I feel supported and valued here and I feel it is an environment in which I have the opportunity to help the younger riders in the team, along with the team leaders and to have individual opportunities when they present themselves,” she said.

Kitchen has finished twice on the podium this season in the Australian National Championships and in Le Samyn des Dames.

She suffered a setback in the Spring resulting from a crash in the Amstel Gold race that ended with a broken arm that required surgery and facial wounds that required plastic surgery.

“My crash in Amstel was a bit of a setback,” Kitchen said.

“It took me quite a long time to feel normal again and I still notice a little difference, but that’s part of it I guess.

“The team really supported me during this period; I’m really thankful because I’m a long way from home and family in France and the team really stepped up and it meant a lot to me.

“I’m looking forward to continue building my relationship with the girls and staff on the team and continuing to see what is possible in my abilities with a focus on the spring classics next season.”

Lauren will race in Sweden and Norway for the next rounds of the Women’s World Tour before the ladies tour in the Netherlands.

She will then race in Madrid to finish off the season.

“It’s now getting towards the end of the season,” Kitchen said.

“I’m proud to have got a few results earlier in the year for the team but I would like to finish strong for the team, so I’m motivated for these last races which I think suit my abilities a lot.”