"Perfectly capable of winning a Grand Tour within two or three years" - INEOS teammate backs up Kévin Vauquelin's future success

Victor Langellotti signed with INEOS Grenadiers in 2025 and proved to be a successful transfer for the British team. Last season he proved to be able to fight for victories at a high level, which grants him more opportunities this year. He is looking forward to that, and also teaming up with riders such as Kévin Vauquelin, whom he believes has the potential to win the Tour de France within a few years.

"I'm quite satisfied with how last season went, with real progress throughout the year. It's satisfying. I even managed to win once, in the WorldTour. It was an honor and frankly beyond my expectations for this first year with the team. Now, I hope to continue this momentum," Langellotti said in words to DirectVelo.

The 30-year old was a relative surprise transfer two winters ago, moving over from Burgos Burpellet BH where he had been since 2018. He did a wide variety of races and roles, before finding his form into the Tour of Norway where he finished second only behind Matthew Brennan in the overall classification. Later in the summer, he would win one of the summit finishes at the Tour de Pologne, which saw him go into the final time trial in the race lead - he eventually finished fifth in the overall classification.

"I wasn't necessarily expecting it to happen so quickly, or in that way. Afterwards, with everything that's been said to me, I realized that this victory and the way I did it... It made an impression on people, and it's always a great pleasure to talk about it," he said of his victory in Poland. "I took the yellow jersey that day, it was fantastic. It was a historic moment for Monegasque sport. I realized that when I returned from Poland; I even received a message from the Prince."

Now in 2026, he is going to have more opportunities to lead and fight for his own results. His presence at the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali would usually fit him very well; whilst he is then also racing the Itzulia Basque Country ahead of the Ardennes classics.

"The team has been significantly strengthened; we have riders capable of winning on all types of terrain throughout the season. Every rider will have opportunities at some point, myself included [...] Now that I've taken on a bit more responsibility within the team, I've been able to discuss a more personalized program this year".

Later in the year, he is set to race the Vuelta a España, starting off from his home in Monaco, and where there are often hilly stages that suit his skillset. His season began at the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana, although he withdrew on stage 4; and is today starting the Tour de la Provence where he will be in a supporting role.

"I'll be a domestique, supporting Carlos [Rodriguez] for the overall classification, but also Dorian [Godon] and Axel [Laurance] for the other two stages. In certain very high-level races, I'll have my chance to shine".

Whilst not directly a compatriot, Langellotti is also very keen on the signing of Kévin Vauquelin, whom he believes can take a big step now that he joined the British team. "When you see what Kévin Vauquelin did last year at Arkéa, with no disrespect to his former team, he's going to take a step forward by joining us, and I see him as perfectly capable of winning a Grand Tour within two or three years," he stated clearly.

Langellotti is very positive on what the future of INEOS may look like. "Oscar Onley finished fourth in the last Tour de France; he's capable of that too".

"When you see what Pippo (Filippo Ganna, ed.) did at Milano - Sanremo last year, who can tell us he shouldn't be starting this year with the ambition to win," he argues. "I don't see why we wouldn't have that ambition. It will be very difficult, obviously, but it's possible. We're one of those rare teams that can potentially win anywhere".