OFFICIAL: Groupama - FDJ strike in the transfer market to snap up one of France’s most promising riders
Cycling
Groupama - FDJ have confirmed the signing of Ewen Costiou, the 22-year-old Frenchman widely regarded as one of the country’s brightest emerging stage-race prospects. The Breton rider joins the team on a two-year contract, switching across from the collapsing Arkea - B&B Hotels setup.
The announcement was made on the team’s social channels on Tuesday morning, with Groupama-FDJ describing Costiou as a “solid and versatile rider, winner of the latest Tour du Limousin.” The move marks another step forward in the young Frenchman’s steady rise through the professional ranks.
From Breton talent to proven winner
Born in Brest, Costiou turned professional in 2023 after a standout amateur career with Côtes d’Armor–Marie Morin, during which he impressed on the French national scene and took silver at the 2022 Mediterranean Games. He quickly adapted to the WorldTour calendar, taking second at Paris-Camembert in his debut season before clinching his first professional victory at the Région Pays de la Loire Tour in 2024.
His real breakthrough, however, came in 2025 with a commanding overall win at the Tour du Limousin–Périgord Nouvelle-Aquitaine, where he also secured the young rider classification. Later that season, he made his Tour de France debut, animating the race with attacking rides and earning the combativity award on Stage 7.
Costiou in action
A smart move for both sides
For Groupama-FDJ, Costiou’s arrival represents a continuation of the team’s commitment to developing French talent. The signing also strengthens their depth for one-week stage races and rolling one-day terrain, where Costiou’s endurance and racing intelligence have already drawn comparisons to a young David Gaudu.
The rider himself is expected to find a stable home in Marc Madiot’s well-structured environment after two formative years with Arkea. With Arkea-B&B Hotels ceasing operations at the end of 2025, his move ensures continuity at WorldTour level and provides a clear pathway for further growth.
Still only 22, Costiou will begin 2026 aiming to consolidate his place among France’s new generation of all-rounders. Given his age, versatility, and already proven ability to perform across multi-day races, Costiou’s arrival looks like a shrewd piece of business — and a strong signal that Groupama-FDJ remain intent on shaping the future of French cycling.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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