The Cofidis staff 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 staff 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 a lot of neo-pros as 12 riders depart the staff 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 staff 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 best degree,” staff 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 will even share his expertise of one-day races and will probably be a robust assist for Axel Zingle. We will’t wait to see our new group in motion. Roll on 2024!”
Elissonde is a fan favorite for his aggressive racing fashion, 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 a lot of different placings throughout lengthy spells with FDJ and Workforce Sky earlier than his 4 seasons at Trek.
“I wished this new problem and to return to a French staff. I am a climber, I like stage races,” Elissonde mentioned on his transfer to Cofidis.
“It has occurred to me all through my profession to trip for my leaders but in addition to play my card and attempt to obtain the absolute best consequence. Expertise lets you have higher data of your self, to have extra serenity and to assist youthful folks 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 staff 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 mentioned.
“I wish to give every part for my new teammates, to place myself on the service of the leaders and, if obligatory, to take my tasks and check out my luck in my flip.
I understand how tough it’s to win, however I hope I can attain the brink of 20 profession wins. No race is straightforward, however I wish to struggle, practice and do every part to reside as much as the ambitions of my new staff.”
