"I didn't recognize myself anymore" - Remi Cavagna details brutal breakup with Movistar

Rémi Cavagna was a surprise transfer in the winter of 2023, as he joined Movistar in search of more freedom to chase his results. A transfer that worked for others, but not for the Frenchman, who goes as far as saying he's regressed in his career. It is rare to have a pro rider be so open about the bad relationship with his team, which already happened during the 2024 season, but he is now even more clear.

"I have left 2024 behind me. It was a bad experience, it didn't go as I had hoped. I definitely want to bounce back and not get stuck in that negative phase', the Frenchman shared with DirectVelo. "It was not at all what I expected. I was disappointed with what I found there, but at the same time I disappointed the team, I have to admit. It was unthinkable to stay in the team any longer. This break was the best for everyone". The transfer was a complete bust, and the change of environment proved to be quite bad even for his own personal ambitions as he found himself completely out of his comfort zone.

"The problem was both sporting, physical, mental and relational. I just didn't feel good in the team. I didn't get the support I had hoped for, and that quickly affected my emotions and even my personality in everyday life. I didn't recognize myself anymore. I lost myself," he admits. "The only positive thing I got out of it is that I learned Spanish. Furthermore... a career goes fast, so it was not an option to lose even more time. I didn't feel like racing anymore. Things weren't going well during races. I blocked, and that caused tension. Eventually, the team and I did talk about finding a solution".

Cavagna ultimately moved away from the team and was able to find interest in the World Tour still despite a rough few seasons, signing with Groupama - FDJ. "I didn't see myself in a French team for a long time. I thought that foreign teams were further ahead in terms of technology, especially in terms of equipment. But in the last three or four years I have seen that teams like Groupama-FDJ and now also Decathlon AG2R are developing strongly," he adds. 

He wants to perform in the time-trials, and is clearly very motivated after he found an unexpectedly professional and detail-oriented environment. "The team is investing enormously in it. This is exactly what I need to perform as well as possible in time trials".

"That is encouraging, because I have always felt that I needed one or two more steps to really reach the absolute top. Unfortunately, I have not progressed in 2024, but even regressed. That's why I don't want to waste any more time and I have to do everything I can. This winter I've trained harder than ever, especially on time-trials," he concluded.