Published on : 08/29/2026
At the age of 34, Bryan Coquard has just achieved the greatest feat of his career as a professional cyclist. By winning by a whisker ahead of Mads Pedersen, ‘Le Coq’ has rewarded an entire team that worked tirelessly to help him shine. He has secured Cofidis’s 12th victory of the season and brilliantly demonstrated that Cofidis is, more than ever, back at the forefront of world cycling.
There was a brief moment of uncertainty before the outcome was decided. Bryan Coquard triumphed in the Vuelta with incredible flair. He had to weather the crashes and, above all, ride smart. After benefiting from Alexis Renard’s work, ‘Le Coq’ won by half a wheel’s length ahead of Mads Pedersen. A titanic battle in the sun-drenched streets of Xeraco, and a feeling of absolute joy and pride.
Bryan, a thoroughly deserved reward
Bryan Coquard dismounted and then raised his bike towards the sky, beaming with joy. For the first time in his career, ‘Le Coq’ has won a Grand Tour. It was his lifelong dream, and it has now become a reality. Bryan was quick to share the moment with all his team-mates. Right from the start of the season, the sprinter had marked the Vuelta in his diary with the aim of raising his arms in victory – and that is exactly what he achieved. This is the 56th victory of his career and already his third of the season. At 34, the sprinter is being rewarded for his hard work, his self-sacrifice and his ability to never give up.
Bryan is the best ambassador for the Cofidis team’s spirit. He knows you must always believe in yourself, always fight, and that the reward always comes in the end. Now it’s time for smiles and a light-hearted mood. Alexis Renard sums up the team’s spirit: “The team deserves this so much; it’s absolutely brilliant.”
Reactions:
Bryan Coquard:
“It’s absolutely mad! It’s taken a lot of hard work, patience and sacrifice to get to this point. I’ve often finished second or in the top places… Naturally, I’m very proud and very happy. Today, the team did a brilliant job: the climbers did everything they could to put me in the best possible position. And in the end, all I had to do was follow Alexis (Renard). In the final stretch, I knew there was a headwind and a crosswind, and I made my move at just the right moment. I’m really happy… I’ve been waiting for this for so long – it’s brilliant!”
Gorka Gerrikagoitia, sports director:
"We knew the stage was going to be tricky, with a lot of urban furniture and passages through villages. There was a lot of nervousness in the finale. But the team did a great job following the plan to the letter. They all worked hard to get Bryan well positioned in the last 5 kilometers before Alexis took over. This victory shows the strength and confidence of all our riders and staff. Of course, we have to salute Bryan's performance — we all know how hard it is to win on a Grand Tour. We can only be proud of what the team has just achieved."
Raphael Jeune, general manager: "
This is a great satisfaction, a great joy, and a lot of happiness. This victory is the result of a long effort by Bryan and the whole team. Starting back in December, our plan was to put everything in place to help him win a Grand Tour stage, at the Vuelta. I want to salute his trust and the incredible work he's put in all season, like his long altitude training camp over the summer. This victory is the fruit of a real sense of sacrifice and outstanding professionalism. With 56 wins, Bryan is among the best scorers in the world in our sport. In his wake, it's the whole team, men and women, who shine. We're having an incredible week (two wins for Milan Fretin, one for Martina Alzini), and every member of the Cofidis team, riders and staff alike, can be proud of what we're achieving together."
