It might be one of the most striking transfers looking towards 2026. Benoît Cosnefroy, after more than eight years, is leaving the familiar surroundings of Decathlon AG2R for a new adventure with the star team UAE Emirates XRG. The squad of world champion Tadej Pogacar didn’t just randomly choose the 30-year-old puncheur.
Rumors had long circulated that UAE Emirates XRG was interested in the Frenchman’s services, but at the end of October, Cosnefroy was officially announced as a signing for the next two seasons. Since the start of his pro career in 2017, Cosnefroy has ridden for the Decathlon team, but after eight seasons, he’s now seeking new challenges elsewhere.
It is notable, however, that next year he will be a teammate of Pogacar at the most successful cycling team of the moment. "Even I did not see this transfer coming," the one-day specialist told Sporza.
"I always knew UAE Emirates was interested in me, but there’s a long road between interest and signing a contract. Especially with this team, because a lot of riders want to race for UAE and there are only a few spots available."
Cosnefroy still won the Brabantse Pijl in 2024 - photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
Those who think Cosnefroy will mainly have to serve others in his new team are mistaken. "This is the WorldTour team where I get the most freedom. That may sound a bit strange because everyone thinks you have to ride for Tadej Pogacar at UAE. But I will hardly race alongside Tadej. They brought me into the team to win second-tier races, not to pull at the front of a Tour climb for Tadej."
Program tailored especially for Cosnefroy
UAE Emirates XRG is even adapting its race program to get the best out of Cosnefroy. In 2026, the squad will for the first time start in some smaller French one-day races. "I think they have really looked at my palmarès here. Because UAE will race the GP du Morbihan for the first time, a race that I have already won three times."
