TotalEnergies Cycling Team to Become XEFI for Three More Seasons

The French professional cycling team led by Jean-René Bernaudeau will continue in the peloton for at least three more seasons under the new title sponsor XEFI, team leadership announced on Tuesday, November 10.

This development secures the future of the Vendée-based organization, which had been facing a potential shutdown following the scheduled departure of current title sponsor TotalEnergies at the end of the current season.

The team’s manager, Stéphane Heulot, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation during a press conference held in Arcueil, Val-de-Marne. “On a tous conscience, au vu des équipes qui ont disparu ces dernières années, d’avoir réussi un exploit,” Heulot told DHnet.

Historical context of the team

The formation has operated under various identities since its inception in 2000. Originally established as Bonjour, the squad has undergone several rebrandings throughout its history, including stints as Brioches La Boulangère, Bouygues Télécom, Europcar, Direct Energie, and most recently, TotalEnergies.

The uncertainty surrounding the team’s future had drawn parallels to other French cycling structures that ceased operations in recent years, such as B&B Hotels in 2022 and Arkéa-B&B Hotels, which folded last year. The transition to XEFI changes the organization's direction after the withdrawal of its previous sponsor threatened to close it.

Funding supports objectives despite rider departures

While the exact budget for the new partnership remains undisclosed by both the team management and XEFI founder Sacha Rosenthal, Heulot described the funding as “conséquent et suffisant” to meet the team’s objectives. The team remains committed to competing in the Tour de France, though its participation is still subject to standard UCI regulatory procedures.

Several high-profile riders have already committed to other organizations, including Jordan Jegat, who secured tenth place in the previous two editions of the Tour de France, as well as Anthony Turgis, Mathieu Burgaudeau, and Emilien Jeannière.

The squad is expected to move forward with a 25-rider roster. This group will integrate several prospects from the team’s internal development center, as the late timing of the sponsorship agreement has constrained the team’s maneuverability in the current transfer market.

Future operations under XEFI

The partnership with XEFI is set to begin in 2027, covering a three-year term in the professional peloton. The team currently awaits further confirmation from the UCI regarding its specific racing calendar and divisional standing for the upcoming seasons.