Published on : 04/14/2026
We’ve had to catch our breath after a completely mad week. Ion Izagirre’s victory in the GP Indurain, Alex Aranburu’s win in the Tour of the Basque Country, Ion’s fourth place in the overall classification, Amalie Dideriksen’s success in the Région Pays de la Loire Tour... All of them gave us a real rollercoaster of emotions. They battled with the same determination as the Cofidis riders during a legendary Paris–Roubaix this Sunday. And so the first chapter of the 2026 season comes to a brilliant close. It’s an opportunity for Raphaël Jeune to take stock, whilst eagerly awaiting what’s next!
t has already been nearly four months since the 2026 season began. Between races in the Middle East, the opening rounds in Europe and the Flandriennes, which concluded this Sunday, the team has been active on all fronts. The Cofidis riders have secured five victories and, above all, demonstrated their ability to never give up. Raphaël Jeune, the sports manager, gives an initial assessment.
What is your verdict on the first phase of the season?
I think everyone, partners, supporters and team members alike, would agree that we’ve had a good start to the season. We know what we need to improve to win even more. The aim of sport is to win, and that remains the objective, even at major events and even more so at those that are more accessible. We can do better in terms of tactics, team spirit or perhaps to bring a bit more luck our way. But what we’ve seen so far allows us to look ahead with confidence.
What has struck you most since racing resumed?
More than just a single image or a specific moment, it’s an overall feeling. What I’ve seen in every race, in both the men’s and women’s events, is a real team spirit. Riders giving their all, committed to helping their leaders shine, never giving up. We must continue to show the same level of commitment and the same team spirit. And I’m sure that will enable us to shine in the upcoming races.
‘We're all in this together!’
Actually, how would you describe the team spirit?
At every race, everyone enjoys seeing each other again. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and brotherhood. We’re united and motivated on the roads, but also relaxed and cheerful between races. Whether it’s the mechanics, the support staff, the team managers or, of course, the riders, we all pull together. And it’s with that determination that we can aim even higher.
Since the start of the season, however, the team has not been spared from injuries… How can they cope with this?
Since the start of the season, we have at times had as many as ten riders unavailable, which inevitably makes it difficult to meet our targets. Together with the sporting management, we are constantly adapting, but we try to disrupt the riders’ race schedule as little as possible so that they can remain as focused as possible on their goals.
“A strong bond that lifts us up”
The women’s team secured their first victory this week, and the para-cyclists put in an excellent performance in the first round of the World Cup… What are the expectations for them?
I’m delighted that the women’s team has finally been rewarded for their efforts. They performed very well at the UAE Tour and the Tour d’Extremadura, and Martina Alzini nearly won the Midwest Cycling Classic… I’m thrilled that Amalie won the Région Pays de la Loire Tour. It’s a very close-knit group that works well together and deserves to continue shining. As for the para-cycling team, they got off to a spectacular start with seven medals, including five golds, won in Thailand. They are the best team in the world and we are proud of them!
For the men’s team, what are the major challenges ahead?
There are no minor races and, starting tomorrow, we want to fight to win. Recovery for the riders who did Paris-Roubaix remains an unknown factor, however. In a few days’ time, the Ardennes classics will also begin and, thanks to our two Basque riders, Ion Izagirre and Alex Aranburu, we’re heading into them with high hopes. In mid-May, too, we’re hoping to shine ‘on home turf’ with the Classique Dunkerque and the 4 Days of Dunkerque. And then we’ll gradually start looking ahead to the Tour de France…
The team’s success is also largely down to our partners…
Yes, and I would like to thank them warmly. Those who have committed to working alongside us play a daily part in ensuring our riders can perform at their best. We feel their support, which enables us to bring this idea of unity and teamwork to life. It is this strong bond that drives us forward and allows us to look ahead with undiminished ambition.