“I don't want to become a domestique just yet” - Belgian rider swaps Arkea for Cofidis

The latest news in the transfer market is that Jenthe Biermans is swapping which French team he races for and heading for Cofidis. The Belgian rider will switch teams this winter, leaving Arkéa–B&B Hôtels to join another French outfit. Biermans, now 29, has already raced three grand tours during his career, most recently the 2024 Giro d’Italia, where he was forced to abandon. This season he delivered a strong performance at Le Samyn, finishing fourth in a race ultimately won by Mathieu van der Poel. His arrival signals Cofidis’ intent to strengthen their sprint setup while adding depth for the classics campaign.

Biermans himself is excited about the role that awaits him. "I enjoy helping Milan (Fretin) perform in the sprints, but also trying my luck when the opportunity arises," he explained to his new team’s website. "I'm a sprinter, but I love tough finishes in small groups or hilly stages. And then, like many Belgian riders, I love the classics, with a soft spot for Paris-Roubaix!"

He also underlined the appeal of Cofidis’ vision, adding: "I've had fantastic years at Arkéa-B&B Hôtels, and I want to thank the entire team for my adventure with them. I love the French mentality, and that's one of the reasons I accepted the Cofidis challenge. I'm very impressed with the project Cédric Vasseur wants to build."

The transfer is a timely boost for Cofidis, but a further setback for Arkéa–B&B Hôtels, who are staring at relegation from the WorldTour at the end of 2025 as they prepare to lose both their main sponsors. Biermans admitted that he had other options on the table, but Cofidis offered the best balance between ambition and opportunity. "There were also concrete proposals from Lotto, Alpecin-Deceuninck, and Soudal Quick-Step. It was a difficult choice. At Alpecin, it would be a great honor to ride for two major leaders. But I don't want to become a domestique just yet."

Reflecting on Quick-Step’s busy transfer market, he added: "If you see the top transfers they've made, my role there was clear."

By joining Cofidis, Biermans gains the chance to support Fretin in sprints while still pursuing his own results in tougher finales and the northern classics. For both rider and team, the partnership looks well-matched heading into 2026.