Alexis Gougeard is gearing up to reclaim his spot in the professional rankings, which temporarily went vacant due to the dissolution of the B&B Hotels-KTM team. The cyclist is making a return to the World Tour after signing a contract with Cofidis. The announcement came as a surprise to some, considering that in 2023, Gougeard raced for the amateur team VC Rouen 76.
“It’s really good to be here,” confides Gougeard. “I’m eager to get back on the bike, to wear the uniform of a professional team. The goal with Rouen was really to show that I still had my place in the peloton.”
“I know there are people who talk about me, but it’s not my concern; they do what they want. I really keep my focus on my goal,” admits the former Vuelta stage winner.
He adds, “I remain myself, whether people like it or not, that’s how it is. There are people who like me, so I try to listen to those people.”
And participation in the Tour de France? “It’s a goal, that’s clear. Now there are other races ahead. I want to show that they didn’t make a mistake in hiring me.” Although the Tour de France is the goal, so far, the only certainty is that the 30-year-old Frenchman will race in Belgium in the spring.
