Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into the world of cycling and the iconic Tour de France! The INEOS Grenadiers are determined to make their mark, and their new leader has a bold vision for the future.
With a recent struggle to find success in the Grand Tours, the British team is leaving no stone unturned. As their rivals, UAE and Visma, already had their squads set, INEOS had to go big, signing some of the most promising riders in the market. One such rider is Kévin Vauquelin, a French cyclist with a bright future ahead.
Vauquelin, fresh off a breakthrough performance in the Tour de Suisse and a solid 7th-place finish in the Tour de France, is eager to make his mark. However, an unfortunate injury cut his season short, but that didn't stop him from securing a deal with INEOS. Now, he's ready to make his debut with the team and set his sights on the prestigious Tour de France.
"I'm feeling great and ready to go! I've been working hard with my physio and the team, and I believe I'm in better shape than last year. I'm excited to race again and show what I can do," Vauquelin shared with L'Équipe.
His first race with the team will be the Volta ao Algarve, a perfect opportunity to get to know his new squad. "There's no pressure on me; I just want to get a feel for the team and seize any opportunities that come my way. We have a strong group, and I'm excited to be a part of it," he added.
But here's where it gets controversial... Vauquelin's move from Arkéa - B&B Hotels brings about significant changes, especially in his race calendar. After the Algarve, his focus shifts to Paris-Nice, but the rest of his spring schedule and Tour de France preparation are still up in the air. He won't be racing his traditional season starters, opting for a different approach.
"I wanted to try something new. I've been going to the same places for a few years now, and it's time for a change. Paris-Nice is a personal choice for me; it's a race I dream of winning, especially since it's in France, close to where I live now," he explained.
With a three-year contract on the table, both Vauquelin and the team have high ambitions. He believes he can improve on his 7th-place finish at the Tour and aims for a top-5 position in the coming years. "It's a challenging goal, but with the team's support, I think we can make it happen," he stated.
And this is the part most people miss... Vauquelin initially made a name for himself as a one-week race specialist, but he's proven he can handle the grueling three-week races too. It's a natural progression for a French rider of his caliber, and he's ready to take on the challenge.
"The Tour de France is a must-do for any French cyclist. It's an iconic race, and the French fans are passionate about it. So, we'll be ready!" he joked. "But first, we have some work to do. Paris-Nice will be a great opportunity to prepare and get a feel for the team time trial, which is an exciting addition to the race."
