"This team can give me the means to progress to the very highest level" - Guillaume Martin explains decision to swap Cofidis for Groupama - FDJ

The 2024 cycling transfer window hasn't even been open for 24 hours yet and already there have been some big moves announced. One of the more notable, is Cofidis leader Guillaume Martin moving on to rival French team, Groupama - FDJ.

A former King of the Mountains winner at the Vuelta a Espana and a five time top-13 finisher in the general classification of the Tour de France, Martin is arguably the biggest name in the Cofidis roster. 2024 will be the final year of the relationship that started back in 2020 though, because, as mentioned, Martin has been officially confirmed as a Groupama - FDJ rider for 2025.

"For next season, I felt the need for a change of scenery and the desire to discover a new environment," the 31-year-old explains of his decision to move in a press release by his new employers. "Groupama-FDJ is the team I need to continue my career. I feel that I still have room for improvement in me and this team can give me the means to progress to the very highest level."

With this signing, it can be said that a circle closes. Full ten years ago, in 2014, Guillaume Martin had a taste of the big racing on a traineeship with the Groupama - FDJ. Back then, he didn't receive a professional contract, only turning pro in 2016 with Wanty - Groupe Gobert.