"The anger is always present, as is the incomprehension" - Arnaud Démare still shocked at split with Groupama-FDJ

Arnaud Démare rode for Groupama-FDJ for over a decade, but it all came crashing down last summer. The French rider was excluded from the Tour de France lineup and that ultimately ended the collaboration between the two. He left the team as soon as possible, towards Arkéa - B&B Hotels, but tells that the emotions regarding the split are still present.

“There is this idea of revenge, of proving who I am. The anger is always present, as is the incomprehension. I have always been professional, I have always highlighted this Groupama-FDJ team and it is clear that I felt betrayed and not recognized for everything that I was able to give them," Démare admits in words to France TV. "It was hard to finally say to myself that despite everything I could do, there was no recognition behind it."

This lack of a smooth relationship saw Démare leave the French team. Marc Madiot, long-standing manager of the French team that is being overhauled, has no bad words to say of Démare and even complemented him in recent months when asked about the move. However, that changes nothing for the 32-year old.

"Politically, it’s interesting for him to say that. Now, I have nothing to say to Marc. In 12 years, no one has ever said 'bravo' to me, whereas Emmanuel Hubert, said it to me on the first phone call. I feel that they are proud to have me and I want to give back to them," he says. At Arkéa, where he already won twice last fall, Démare feels a completely new feeling and new motivation to perform.

Not only is he a sole leader of the team when it comes to the sprints, but he also becomes the team's star. With a World Tour license, the sprinter has full liberty of choosing his goals throughout the season, and in 2024 he has the grand desire of taking a stage win at the Tour de France.

"Arkéa - B&B Hotels has never won on the Tour, I've done it twice. I really hope to do it again and I know I'm capable of it, so that will be the objective for the month of July for the team and me,” Démare concluded.