Five teams look to sign Tour de France breakthrough Victor Lafay, INEOS Grenadiers in the lead

Victor Lafay has thrived in the opening weekend of the Tour de France, not only being the biggest breakthrough so far but also one of the race's headliners. Immediately, it is reported that several teams are already on the hunt for the new French star.

Lafay is out of contract for 2024 and there is no lack of teams looking to sign him. It will be difficult for Cofidis to keep the 27-year old as his value has suddenly increased exponentially. Lafay only turned professional at 22 years of age with Cofidis and has since been with the team, which had in the meantime promoted to World Tour level in 2020.

Lafay broke through into the international screens as he won a stage in the 2021 Giro d'Italia, the summit finish at Guardia Sanframondi from a breakaway. At the 2022 Tirreno-Adriatico he finished in the middle of Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel in a punchy finish, having occasionally put on strong performances on hilly profiles - having won the 2023 Classic Grand Besançon Doubs before the Tour.

Five teams are in talks with the Frenchman currently, reported by L'Équipe. Most not known, however Lafay's agent former pro Christophe Le Mével admitted that INEOS Grenadiers was among them, as the team looks to bring in new riders capable of taking them back into the top of the cycling world.