OFFICIAL | Pogacar and Del Toro have a new teammate - UAE Team Emirates reveals signing of Benoît Cosnefroy
Cycling
UAE Team Emirates - XRG had two available spots in their roster for the 2026 season and for the past week it had been heavily rumoured that one of them had been filled by French puncheur Benoît Cosnefroy. The Emirati team has officialized the signing today, one of the most unlikely of this transfer season.
With the departure of Juan Ayuso earlier this fall, there was one extra position in the team to be filled, and the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale rider was the ideal fit for both sides it seems. His one-day race specialties may come in useful for the team who is eager to net as many wins as possible throughout the seasons; whilst Cosnefroy himself was in need of a change after spending his entire career with the French team.
“I’m very happy at the prospect of joining UAE Team Emirates–XRG, and very excited to become part of the best team in the world," Cosnefroy said in a press release. “When Mauro Gianetti explained the project to me I saw it as the right challenge for me at this point in my career".
Ready to overcome an injury-ridden season?
Cosnefroy finished 2025 as one of the pro riders with the least race days: 13. This also only took place from the end of April to the beginning of June, as both before and after the 30-year old suffered from a knee injury. He has shown his quality still in those weeks by winning the GP du Morbihan, and has a 21-win palmarès made up almost fully of one-day races, including World Tour events such as the Bretagne Classic and GP de Québec.
It's a transfer that could bring the best out of the classics specialist and could be a win for both sides. "From speaking with the team and the ambitions they have, it became clear that it could be a good fit and the right step to take. I’m eager to begin this new chapter and can’t wait to start racing with my new teammates.”
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We’re excited to announce the signing of @BenoitCosnefroy to UAE Team Emirates-XRG on a two-year deal ✍🏼 💥 The Frenchman packs a real punch when the road goes uphill, and will bolster our lineup for the one-day races! 🇫🇷👋 Bienvenue, Benoît. It is great to have you! #WeAreUAE
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