"Bernaudeau is handing the reins to a guy who has failed his teams more than he has helped them succeed": Former French rider slams new TotalEnergies manager

The 2026 season will be a very important season for Team TotalEnergies, as the squad prepares for its final year under its current title sponsorship. The squad has undergone a significant structural overhaul during the off-season, and the biggest change has been the departure of team's founder Jean-René Bernaudeau.

Bernaudeau, the legendary manager who has led the organization since its inception as Bonjour in 2000, has chosen former Lotto CEO Stéphane Heulot to replace him. A surprising decision for some, given his past record managing teams.

One of the most vocal detractors has been former rider and team manager Jérôme Pineau, who has been highly critical with the appointment. "Bernaudeau is handing the reins to a guy who has failed his teams more than he has helped them succeed. I failed one (B&B Hotels, in 2022), I take full responsibility for that… But we all know in the business that Heulot is not the most reliable guy," Pineau said in an interview to RMC Sport.

Pineau pointed to Heulot’s previous roles at Besson Chaussures (2009), Saur-Sojasun (2010-2013), Rally Cycling (2019-2021) and Lotto (2023-2025). The Besson Chaussures /Saur-Sojasun project ended with sponsors withdrawals, while Lotto had to merge with Intermarché for the upcoming season.

"He arrives with one thing, I hope, a partner in his pocket," he said. "However, in terms of preparation, values, and overall message, it's completely different. He's never raced for this team, never been around this team. What message are we sending here? This team has seen very brilliant people, much more brilliant than Mr. Heulot."

The appointment is also a break with the philosophy that had defined TotalEnergies since its foundation, according to Pineau. "This team is unique. We, the Vendée veterans, have a philosophy that he (Jean-René Bernaudeau) has disregarded by making this choice. I don't know what Heulot is capable of, I don't know if this choice will pay off, but allow me to seriously doubt it."