Former Tour de France regular Walter Bénéteau has been found dead in a hotel room in Bali, Indonesia aged just 50. At this time the circumstances around the former cycling pro's death are still unclear.
Bénéteau rode seven consecutive Tour de France's between 2000 and 2006 under the banner of Jean-René Bernaudeau's team that has since developed into Team TotalEnergies. Despite not managing to achieve his dream of winning a stage, Bénéteau was regularly seen in breakaways and towards the front of the race.
Finishing 2nd at the 2001 French National Championships, Bénéteau achieved two career victories, both at the Boucles de l'Aulne - GP Le Télégramme in 2000 and 2003. After retiring in 2006, Bénéteau moved to a behind-the-scenes role, working for both TotalEnergies and B&B Hotels, working in a PR capacity.
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- Ruben Silva is reporting what Brian Holm said, and that gives us the chance to comment on it. But the article is already out of date, with the news of Jonas investing a lot of his money in properties for himself and extended family in Denmark. A sensible path, but he would have a financial advisor like the other top cyclists.Hills3311-01-2026
- Yes, they're implying that the angelic Vingegaard is all home, family and church, versus the diabolical Pogacar, all sex, drugs, and rock and roll, greedy for money and luxury đđđ Shameful journalism. The truth is that both of them, each in their own way, lead simple lives and are manically dedicated to their work.
maria2024202411-01-2026 - What terrible things it says that someone went to live in Monaco on the advice of his manager when he was a teenager (18)? A cyclist's career is short; they have to accumulate as much as possible. Obviously, when Tadej was a teen, he had no idea he was going to earn a lot. Don't worry, when his career ends, he'll return to his country, paying taxes on his future investments (he is doing yet that). P.S.: And many people, seeing the corrupt and inept European bureaucrats who govern us, squandering our work (money), are very keen to go to a tax haven.maria2024202411-01-2026
- I would like to say one thing to RĂșben Silva, the author of this article: "F*** you!!! Your f***** stupid and mean, and you know nothing about Tadej. Capish?" Pogi is one of the most humble guys, he takes care of his cyclists on his team, he jokes a lot, he buys his team presents, he has his own Pogi team to help young cyclists (they get everything, the complete cycling kit and bike) for free. So RĂșben Silva, what else can I say... I won't, I already said it.NikkoNicco11-01-2026
- Hey, find the logic and connection in these two things. First Yates says he is "grateful" to Visma and has been thinking about retirement for a long time??? ... and at the same time he left his team in the dark where they can't bring in a replacement now. Is that how he thanks his team? Don't insult my intelligence. My uncle once told me, "I don't know what's the true, but what the newspapers publish, I know that isn't true." ...That means one less option. Now apply that to the Yates case and you can put the Visma and Yates explanation in the trash and continue investigating the real reason.NikkoNicco11-01-2026
- He actually took a pay cut when transferred to Visma; he was the star at Jayco for years, he moved because a different team structure could improve his chances and they both got the benefits of the transaction. Money would have been more important if he was a rising talent, not an established one on his way out.mhfrvz11-01-2026
- I take him for his word and the beautiful letter of retirement he penned.Good health and family life as well.Chapeau! God speed straight on till morning.
Brucegel10-01-2026 - If there is something, knowing cycling it will only come out in a decade. Another oddity is the money angle. Had he wanted to, he could probably have arranged to earn more in the next 2 years than he did in the past.Mistermaumau10-01-2026
- And yet, so many who get money get worried about it so obviously itâs not easy for everyone.Mistermaumau10-01-2026
- Maybe Simon's close bond with his brother made his position untenable, for instance if Visma were planning an unwelcome surprise for UAE.Hills3310-01-2026
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C'est avec une profonde tristesse que nous venons d'apprendre le dĂ©cĂšs de Walter BĂ©nĂ©teau. Il Ă©tait un coureur au grand cĆur qui faisait partie de la famille du Team. Il restera Ă jamais dans nos mĂ©moires. LâĂ©quipe prĂ©sente ses sincĂšres condolĂ©ances Ă sa famille et ses proches.
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