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

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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.