"Cycling is always searching for 'rare gems' but we can’t treat a rider as 'finished' at 22" – TotalEnergies boss urges change in attitude towards the sport's youth

Jean-René Bernaudeau believes modern cycling is in danger of losing patience with its own talent — warning that the sport’s obsession with early success risks erasing a generation of riders who mature more slowly.

In a reflective interview with Cyclism’Actu, the long-time TotalEnergies boss used the rise of Jordan Jegat as a powerful counterpoint to that trend, urging a rethink in how the sport develops its athletes.

“Cycling is always searching for ‘rare gems’, but people need to understand that champions like Paul Seixas are exceptions,” Bernaudeau said. “We can’t treat a rider as ‘finished’ at 22 years old. Today there are around fifteen ex-pros in France of that age — and that’s tragic.”

Jegat’s top-10 finish at the 2025 Tour de France was one of the year’s biggest surprises, especially for a team operating on a modest budget. For Bernaudeau, it served as vindication of the “double project” model TotalEnergies has championed since 1991 — encouraging young riders to pursue both education and sport rather than specialising too early. “Jordan represents hope for those who’ve been cast aside,” he continued. “Endurance only reaches its full maturity later, around 25 to 30. We can’t just erase those who develop more slowly.”

Beyond Jegat’s personal story, Bernaudeau sounded a broader alarm about the health of French cycling’s foundations. He fears the amateur scene that once sustained the sport’s pipeline of talent is close to breaking point.

“The amateur cycling pyramid is in danger of collapsing,” he warned. “Without clubs, there are no champions. In the Vendée we’re lucky — we have strong foundations, volunteers, a real culture. That’s precious.”

Bernaudeau believes the WorldTour’s relentless professionalisation and rising financial demands are putting that ecosystem at risk — creating a top-heavy structure where smaller teams and community clubs struggle to survive.

Still, he insists the core identity of his organisation remains rooted in collective values rather than star-driven ambition. “We never bet everything on one man,” he said. “Our captains, those who don’t get the glory or the money, are our pillars.”

With TotalEnergies set to end its sponsorship after 2026, Bernaudeau confirmed negotiations are already underway to secure the team’s future — but declined to offer details until a deal is signed.

“Negotiations are done quietly,” he said. “When there’s something to announce, I’ll announce it. But yes, the project will continue.”

For now, the veteran manager is content to focus on the next step of the team’s evolution. Jegat’s rise, Emilien Jeanniere’s growing consistency and the unity of the wider group all point to a stable platform heading into 2026. “When you win, you don’t lecture others — and when you come second, you keep hope alive,” Bernaudeau concluded. “If next year we’ve honoured the people who make victories possible, the season will already be a success.”