"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

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."