Transfer News: French talent breaks contract to join Astana Qazaqstan Team

French rider Clément Champoussin, 26, has signed a two-year contract with Astana Qazaqstan Team, securing his place in the squad for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Champoussin, who transfers from UCI WorldTeam Arkéa–B&B Hotels, enjoyed an impressive 2024 season, including victories in the Giro della Toscana, second in the Circuito de Getxo and the overall standings of the Arctic Race of Norway, third in the Grand Prix de Wallonie, and seventh in the Gran Premio Miguel Indurain.

The Frenchman also won a mountain stage at the 2021 Vuelta a Espana, where he defeated the likes of Primoz Roglic.

Reflecting on his move, Champoussin said in a team press release, "I am excited to join Astana Qazaqstan Team, a project that has always been an inspiration to me, not only because of its rich history but also because of its clear ambition for success. The team has a strong reputation for competing at the highest level, and the goals of the project align perfectly with mine."

" I am confident that the fantastic atmosphere the team is known for will allow me to continue developing as a professional rider, which in turn will help the team achieve future successes," he continues. "I am eagerly looking forward to starting this new adventure and chapter in my career”

Astana Qazaqstan’s General Manager, Alexandr Vinokurov, expressed his enthusiasm about the signing: "With Clément’s arrival, our team will have its first French rider in a long time. First of all, I would like to thank the management of Arkéa-B&B Hotels for their open and professional approach during the negotiations for this transfer."

"We are happy that Clément has the opportunity to join our team because a rider of his specialization, an attacking style with a powerful uphill sprint, will be a significant reinforcement for us in one-day races. Of course, Clément also has great potential in Grand Tours, where he can compete on a wide variety of stages. Champoussin had a very strong 2024 season, and we expect that he will be able to develop even further within our team. He will definitely have the opportunity to do so."

Champoussin’s attacking nature and versatility in one-day races and Grand Tour stages are seen as key assets for the team moving forward.