"In difficult times, you have to know how to react, and the team showed a real reaction this winter" - Cofidis boss Cedric Vasseur happy with start to important 2025
Cycling
Paris-Nice 2025 is now underway, marking the start of a
crucial period in the cycling season as the countdown to the Tour de France in
July begins. The prestigious stage race, often referred to as the ‘Race to the
Sun,’ is a key early-season test for both general classification contenders and
riders preparing for the spring classics.
Tim Merlier took victory in the
opening stage, showing his speed in a race that often provides
unpredictable and challenging conditions.
For Team Cofidis, Paris-Nice represents an important
opportunity as they navigate what could be a defining season. The French squad
is fighting to secure its WorldTour status for 2026 and has started 2025 on a
strong note, already securing four victories. Speaking to Cyclism’Actu, Cedric
Vasseur, the team’s general manager, acknowledged the significance of the race
and the season ahead.
"Paris-Nice always marks a new start to the season.
It's the first big stage race of the year, difficult, with a very high level.
In the sprints, it's always faster than elsewhere. It's a race rich in lessons
for the classics that are coming up and, as a French team, we want to shine in
Paris-Nice."
Cofidis has placed a clear focus on developing young talent,
with riders such as Sam Maisonobe and Clément Izquierdo taking their first
steps at the highest level. The team is also relying on Stanislaw Aniolkowski,
who has already shown promise despite being unable to find an opening in the
first stage. The return of Sylvain Moniquet later in the week will offer
another measure of the team’s depth.
"I think Bryan would rather go and prepare in Italy.
We've focused on young riders, with Sam Maisonobe and Clément Izquierdo, two
new pros who are discovering the very highest level. We're also counting on
Stanislaw Aniolkowski. Today, on this first stage, he didn't manage to find the
opening, but it's working rather well, his legs are there. We're also waiting
for Sylvain Moniquet to return to see how he progresses throughout the
week."
After a difficult 2024 season, Cofidis has undergone
significant changes over the winter, with Vasseur highlighting the team’s
strong response to adversity. Despite missing key riders such as Simon Carr,
who is yet to start his season due to illness, and Alex Aranburu, who is still
building form, Vasseur is confident that the team will improve on last year’s
struggles.
"In difficult times, you have to know how to react, and
the team showed a real reaction this winter. We changed a lot of things and we
started off again stronger. Four victories before Paris-Nice, that's
satisfying. And we haven't seen everything yet! Simon Carr hasn't started the
season yet, he's unwell. Alex Aranburu hasn't reached full speed yet. We're
still a little hungry, but whatever happens, 2025 will be a better year than
2024."
While many teams are targeting the overall classification
battle, Cofidis has set its sights on stage victories rather than competing for
the yellow jersey. The squad is also using Tirreno-Adriatico as an opportunity
to help Aranburu find his rhythm ahead of the classics. With a strong start to
the year and key riders yet to reach peak form, the team is optimistic about
its prospects.
"We remain realistic. The general classification is not
accessible. On Paris-Nice, we are aiming for stage victories. On Tirreno, we
want to see Alex Aranburu gain momentum for the classics. So, only stage
victories for us. I am satisfied with the state of mind of the group and the
reaction of the riders on the ground since the Tour Down Under. Bryan Coquard
has delighted us. I am much more relaxed than in 2024."
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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