Decathlon CMA CGM announce third signing in hours as they strengthen Seixas support - Experienced INEOS climber completes formidable transfer trio
Cycling
Decathlon CMA CGM have confirmed their third signing in just a few hours, announcing that Laurens de Plus has joined the French team on a two-year deal. The Belgian was reported to be leaving Netcompany INEOS, with the confirmation seeing him join Ben O'Connor and Pavel Sivakov.
Decathlon's three signings are the only confirmed external arrivals so far in the transfer window, joining Aubin Sparfel's call-up to WorldTour from the their development team.
31-year-old Belgian climber De Plus joins after six seasons at INEOS, and will bolster the team's potential Grand Tour support for 20-year-old Paul Seixas. Both Sivakov and O'Connor's arrivals also signal a strengthening of the team's core hills and climbing unit.
“I’m truly happy to be joining Decathlon CMA CGM. It’s a team with a rich history and a strong identity. I’m thrilled to be part of this project and to contribute to its ambitions," De Plus said.
Laurens de Plus
De Plus has clear goals
De Plus believes that he can help the team win a Grand Tour, bringing a wealth of experience which he wants to share with the team's young riders.
"My goals are clear: to bring my experience to the team, support my teammates in the best way possible, and work together to aim for cycling’s greatest victories, including winning a Grand Tour.
"I also want to share my experience with the younger riders, help them develop, and guide them in achieving their goals. I believe I can contribute a lot to the team, both on and off the bike.”
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Bardet reacts to signings
The team's sport manager Romain Bardet highlighted the three riders' arrivals as adding depth to the team's climbing potential and can help them reach new heights.
Bardet said: “It’s a real joy to welcome Laurens, Ben, and Pavel. As a fellow rider, I can attest to what they represent: well-rounded, all-riders, seasoned in the biggest stage races, and men whose high standards and mindset are fully in line with the culture that the Decathlon CMA CGM team is striving to build.
"Their arrival brings depth and synergy in the mountains, contributing to a team dynamic that grows stronger year after year. Alongside our young leaders, they form a group capable of reaching new heights."
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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