The Cofidis workforce have accomplished their 30-rider roster for the 2024 season by including French climber Kenny Elissonde and multi-talented Belgian Ben Hermans.
The French WorldTour workforce has misplaced Tour de France stage winner Victor Lafay to AG2R and Simone Consonne to Lidl-Trek however have signed Gorka Izagirre, Stefano Oldani and various neo-pros as 12 riders depart the workforce and 12 new signings are available in. Davide Cimolai and André Carvalho are among the many riders let go for 2024.
Ion Izagirre, Bryan Coquard, Simon Geschke, Axel Zingle and Guillaume Martin stay as workforce leaders.
“We’re delighted to have the ability to rely on the expertise of Kenny Elissonde and Ben Hermans. These are two riders who’ve already shone within the UCI WorldTour and who’re used to the very best stage,” workforce supervisor Cedric Vasseur defined.
“Kenny will compete on the climbs and within the stage races alongside Guillaume Martin, whereas Ben will probably be extra versatile and could have a blended programme. He may also share his expertise of one-day races and will probably be a powerful help for Axel Zingle. We are able to’t wait to see our new group in motion. Roll on 2024!”
Elissonde is a fan favorite for his aggressive racing model, particularly within the mountains throughout breakaways. He received a stage within the 2013 Vuelta a España, wore the chief’s jersey in 2021 and has various different placings throughout lengthy spells with FDJ and Group Sky earlier than his 4 seasons at Trek.
“I needed this new problem and to return to a French workforce. I am a climber, I like stage races,” Elissonde stated on his transfer to Cofidis.
“It has occurred to me all through my profession to journey for my leaders but additionally to play my card and attempt to obtain the absolute best outcome. Expertise lets you have higher information of your self, to have extra serenity and to help youthful individuals too.”
Hermans received the 2017 Tour of Oman, and the 2021 Arctic Race of Norway and the hilly De Brabantse Pijl semi-classic, highlighting his vary of abilities.
He’s now 37 and joins Cofidis from Israel-Premier Tech.
“I’m significantly grateful to the Cofidis workforce for providing me this new alternative. I’ve demonstrated prior to now that I’m a reasonably full rider who likes the Classics as a lot as stage races,” Hermans stated.
“I need to give every little thing for my new teammates, to place myself on the service of the leaders and, if obligatory, to take my tasks and take a look at my luck in my flip.
I understand how tough it’s to win, however I hope I can attain the edge of 20 profession wins. No race is simple, however I need to battle, prepare and do every little thing to stay as much as the ambitions of my new workforce.”