It's official: Kevin Vauquelin is joining Ineos
After months of rumors and reports, Ineos Grenadiers finally announced today the official signing of Kévin Vauquelin. The 24-year-old French star has signed a three-year deal with the British WorldTeam in what he called "the logical next step in my career" in the press release announcing the deal.
Speaking of announcements, Vauquelin made his first big one at the 2024 Tour de France, when the punchy all-arounder held off Tadej Pogačar for a stunning win on stage 2. Since then, he's developed into a promising stage racer, with wins and podiums at events as varied as the Etoile des Besseges and the Tour de Suisse. He cemented his reputation with a superb Tour de France, where he finished seventh overall and wore the white jersey for best young rider for several days.
"Not only is he a punchy rider who knows how to win, at this year's Tour i was impressed to see him add a new dimension to his racing," said Ineos' principal Dave Brailsford in the news release. Vauquelin signs from the beleaguered Arkéa-B&B Hotels squad, which is losing both of its title sponsors and looks set to close at the end of the season.
