Imagine being part of a team that’s dominated nearly 100 professional races in a single year—and now, you’re joining their ranks. That’s exactly where Benoît Cosnefroy finds himself as he steps into the powerhouse that is UAE Team Emirates - XRG. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Cosnefroy, a proven classics specialist, is swapping sides to ride alongside the unstoppable Tadej Pogacar, and it’s a move that’s sparked both excitement and debate in the cycling world.
UAE Team Emirates has been on a winning streak, and with their latest signings, they’re poised to continue their dominance. Cosnefroy, known for his prowess in hilly races and classics, could be the missing piece to elevate their success even further—if the team can help him reach peak form. But this transition hasn’t been without its challenges. In a candid interview with La Presse de la Manche, Cosnefroy revealed, ‘With my injuries, the transfer window was complicated, but it was my last chance to stay at the highest level.’ He admits there was a desire for change, a need to turn over a new leaf, even if it meant leaving familiar ground behind. ‘I’m forging my own path, riding for pleasure, and focusing on what matters most: myself and those around me,’ he added.
This move comes at a pivotal moment for Cosnefroy, a pure puncheur who’s found fewer opportunities in a World Tour calendar increasingly dominated by climbers. With riders like Pogacar and Evenepoel redefining what it means to be a top puncheur, the Ardennes and similar races are becoming less favorable for specialists like him. And this is the part most people miss: as teams like Decathlon overhaul their squads—with long-time riders like Nans Peters retiring and Victor Lafay considering the same—Cosnefroy’s departure marks the end of an era. But it’s also the beginning of a new chapter for him.
Joining UAE Team Emirates means Cosnefroy will now ride alongside the very riders who’ve made his path more challenging. ‘I met Tadej Pogacar and the rest of the team,’ he shared. ‘When you join a team like UAE, you know there will be criticism, but I’ve also received a lot of support. There’s a real sense of camaraderie here.’ Yet, his role remains undefined. ‘I don’t yet know exactly what my role will be, but I’m confident in what I’ve found here,’ he admitted. This uncertainty raises a fascinating question: could Cosnefroy evolve into a domestique role, similar to how Tim Wellens or Jhonatan Narváez have thrived as right-hand men for Pogacar?
But here’s the controversial part: Is Cosnefroy’s move to UAE a strategic career revival, or is he risking becoming just another cog in the machine of a dominant team? And as the cycling world watches, one can’t help but wonder: will this partnership elevate Cosnefroy to new heights, or will he struggle to find his place in a team already brimming with talent? Let’s spark a discussion—what do you think? Is this the best move for Cosnefroy, or could it backfire? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
