Back from the brink? - TotalEnergies handed huge boost as team reportedly set to continue in 2027 despite fading hopes throughout season
Cycling
TotalEnergies have endured a difficult 2026 season as major doubts lingered all year about the team's future from 2027 and beyond. Without a sponsor and some of their biggest name riders leaving the team in the transfer market, things looked grim for the French ProTeam.
Now, the former WorldTour setup have been handed a lifeline as a report has emerged that work had been done behind the scenes in securing sponsorship and that those within the structure received good news recently.
Those involved have been told that the team met the UCI's October 15th deadline to submit their initial paperwork - which includes financial guarantees for 2027 - as well as an adequate number of riders registered for the year.
Wielerflits reports that the French team, managed by Jean-René Bernaudeau and Stéphane Heulot, have brought in Tony Gallopin - with the former Tour de France yellow jersey wearer a key component in their efforts to come back from the brink and will assume the role of Head of Performance.
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Difficult year for French ProTeam
In a year of reports and speculation over changes to the team's title sponsor as well as bike sponsor, fresh hope has emerged as those involved were reportedly told on Thursday that the deadline was met and that they were confident of retaining their ProTeam licence for 2027.
11 riders have been confirmed to be leaving the setup at the end of the season between transfers and retirements, including some of the team'[s big names such as Jordan Jegat, Anthony Turgis and Nicolas Breuillard.
The report signals that the team have 23 riders registered for next season, and could also turn to several talents from their development team Vendée U to help fill slots in their roster for 2027.
Despite the positive news, it's understood that the team will work under a limited budget next season.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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