INEOS Grenadiers make a bid to sign yet another French classics rider

INEOS Grenadiers signed Axel Laurance this season and has had him as a leader on several races hunting for stage wins in both sprints and hilly races. The British team is on the hunt for new riders into the 2026 season and one could be Laurance's compatriot Dorian Godon - a rider of a very similar skillset.

Laurance has not yet won in the colours of INEOS however he has been close on several races such as the Criterium du Dauphiné or Itzulia Basque Country, and has finished in the Top10 of Liège-Bastogne-Liège this year. The 24-year old may partner up with Dorian Godon next season in similar races in what is potentially a move to improve Laurance's position within the team.

INEOS is in search of Grand Tour riders to climb back up the standings of the Grand Tour battles but simultaneously they look to reinforce their team for other types of terrain. Sam Welsford is a possibility for the sprints as a replacement for the short-lived stint of Caleb Ewan in the team.

Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale is indeed making big moves with both Olav Kooij and Tiesj Benoot reportedly close to be announced with the team - potentially with an agreement already signed between the two - and with a change at the top of the team will come departures such as Godon's. Groupama - FDJ and EF Education-EasyPost reportedly also have interest in the 29-year old who has won stages at the Tour de Romandie and Tour des Alpes Maritimes this year.

Godon has also finished second on several occasions in recent times and most notably this was at the 2024 Volta a Catalunya where he came very close to beating Tadej Pogacar in the final downhill sprint into Barcelona. Godon will be a strong contender for the French title this weekend at the national championships.