"Arnaud had expectations that we couldn't meet" - Marc Madiot explains the choice to let go of his star sprinter
Cycling
The Groupama-FDJ team had an eventful 2023 season. On one hand, there were 19 victories, including French championships. Also Thibaut Pinot shone in the Maglia Azurra in Italy in his final season. On the other hand, Arnaud Démare left the team on unfriendly terms and so Marc Madiot's team has to build from scratch again, as he explains to Cyclism'Actu.
"Yes, time passes, the years go by, one after the other. Riders leave, others arrive, such is the life of a sports team. I have been there for a good number of years, so gradually and successively the workforce evolves and changes. I still remember the days of Sandy Casar, Jacky Durand, Bradley McGee and others."
"Arnaud had expectations that we couldn't meet, but that's the economic life of a team, you have to deal with it. I am sad and disappointed that the relationship was damaged a little with this delicate moment with him. But I recognize his talent, I know everything he brought to the team and I hope that we will find a peaceful relationship as the time passes," Madiot continues, noting that he'd like to have a chat with Démare in the future. "I haven't had any contact with him, but I know I will at some point. I hope we will have the opportunity to chat quietly."
"He was an emblematic, important rider, a keystone in the team. He brought us a lot, the team grew with him and Arnaud. So thank you and good luck for the future, a new life begins for him. I think what happened in the final moments reflects what Pinot was like throughout his career. We had to wait until his last year for us to understand who Thibaut Pinot was and the legacy he left within the peloton and within cycling life in France. He got the exit he deserved."
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Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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Rafionain-Glas08-11-2026 - He is boring
leedorney08-11-2026 - To Twoje przemyślenia te bla, bla :)
Dariusz08-11-2026 - Uwielbiam patrzeć, jak wyjeżdża na czoło peletonu i zaczyna się rzeź...Dariusz08-11-2026
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parisbound0008-11-2026 - there needs to be space in life for pointless comments!Ketterechts08-11-2026
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Vainqueur à cinq reprises pour sa première saison avec la WorldTour, Romain Grégoire ferme le livre 2023 avec une certaine satisfaction mais un appétit très loin d’être assouvi. Entretien 📚 🇫🇷 equipecycliste-groupama-fdj.fr/actualites/plu… 🇬🇧 equipecycliste-groupama-fdj.fr/en/news/the-mo…
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