Florian Sénéchal will compete for the Arkéa-B&B Hotels team, which will be renamed Arkéa-Samsic starting in 2024. The 30-year-old French cyclist has signed a two-year contract with this WorldTeam. He has spent the last six seasons with Soudal Quick-Step, a team that is in the process of merging with Jumbo-Visma.
“The conversation I had with Emmanuel Hubert (the manager of Arkéa-Samsic) convinced me immediately that I had to choose Arkéa-B&B Hotels,” says the 2022 French champion. “Emmanuel found the right words, immediately made me feel comfortable, and quickly explained to me what he expected from me and what my role would be within the team. There was an immediate good feeling between us. I like the freedom he wants to give me in some cases and the task he wants to give me in the sprint train of future sprinters like Arnaud Démare.”
Sénéchal states that the transfer of Arnaud Démare from Groupama-FDJ to Arkéa-Samsic was also important in his choice. “We get along well. In CC Wasquehal (the previous team where both cyclists competed), we had the same coach, the late Hervé Boussard. I always maintained a relationship with Arnaud. I’m returning to France, to a team that listens to me and wants to continue growing. Arnaud will be a good leader, I know that. Arkéa-B&B Hotels aims to participate in sprints and continue progressing in the classics. Those are two aspects that suit me.”