The French sprinter of Groupama-FDJ Arnaud Démare has signed until the end of 2025 with Arkéa-Samsic, another French formation which he will join immediately, without waiting for the end of the season, the two parties announced on Tuesday.
“It’s the best that could happen to me in order to quickly turn the page, and project myself into the future,” said Démare, 31, on the website of his new team.
Rider of the FDJ since his debut more than ten years ago, the Picard had notably experienced a huge disappointment by not being selected for the last Tour de France.
Physically diminished at the start of the year after contracting Covid-19, Arnaud Démare had experienced a rise in power at the end of spring, winning a stage of the Boucles de la Mayenne then the Brussels Classic.
But the boss of Groupama-FDJ Marc Madiot had wanted to build a group for the Tour dedicated to the general classification around the leader David Gaudu, who finished 9th.
“I’m starting a new chapter in my career, with a team that believes in me and motivates me. My will is enormous and increased tenfold in order to do well, ”said Démare on Tuesday.
“Arnaud is one of the best sprinters in the world, and has a strong record of 93 successes already. He will bring his charisma, his aura to our workforce, ”rejoiced the general manager of Arkéa-Samsic, Emmanuel Hubert.
