His team selection was announced this week.
"Joining the AG2R under-19 development team is a dream come true for me," Guichard said.
"It’s the start of a pathway towards becoming a pro rider. I am in no doubt the hard work has only just begun. It is a privilege to be selected, and I need to continue to get results."
The Wanaka cyclist is coached by his father, Alex Guichard, originally from France but now living in Wanaka.
Carter Guichard is a dual national.
He was born in France and has a Kiwi mum, Monique Kelly.
The family moved to Wanaka when Guichard was 7, and he is fluent in French and English.
Guichard junior belongs to an up-and-coming team of top-level southern junior cyclists called the Southern Junior Development Team, which is also coached by Guichard senior.
Guichard junior has just spent three months racing in France, returning to New Zealand in mid-August.
During his 2022 season, he had 10 wins in races around New Zealand, including the national road series junior tour in Hawke’s Bay and stage wins at the Tasman Tour.
He had four wins and numerous places in races in France during the European summer.
France’s AG2R-Citroen is one of the oldest world tour teams and has had an impressive roster of top level riders, including Tour de France stage winners Ben O’Connor and Bob Jungels, under-23 world champion Benoit Cosnefroy, and Olympic gold medallist Greg Van Avermaet.
The junior development team selection process includes results earned at school and at national and international level.
Guichard is the only Kiwi in a team of 20 riders.
Others come from France, Belgium, Norway and Australia.
Guichard will continue his education at Mount Aspiring College and continue to race this summer with the Southern Junior Development team before returning to Europe for the northern hemisphere season next year.
He races on a Cycling New Zealand licence.
