Kevin Vauquelin 'in shock' to join Ineos Grenadiers on three-year deal amid uncertainty over future of Arkea-B&B Hotels
Published 10/10/2025 at 12:04 GMT+1
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French rider Kevin Vauquelin will join Ineos Grenadiers on a three-year deal from Arkea-B&B Hotels for the 2026 season amid growing uncertainty over the future of the French team. The 24-year-old, who came seventh in the 2025 Tour de France, said: "I’m extremely proud to join a team like Ineos Grenadiers, which has shaped the history of cycling for over a decade. I'm still in shock."
Vauquelin scoops Etoile de Besseges title with time trial victory
Video credit: TNT Sports
Kevin Vauquelin will join Ineos Grenadiers on a three-year deal from Arkea-B&B Hotels, the British team have confirmed.
The 24-year-old, who finished seventh on GC in the 2025 Tour de France, will make the move for the start of the 2026 season.
It comes amid growing uncertainty around Arkea's future as they search for new sponsors, with team manager Emanuel Hubert recently telling Ouest France, "It’s almost over".
As part of Ineos' announcement of Vauquelin's arrival, the Frenchman said: "I’m extremely proud to join a team like Ineos Grenadiers, which has shaped the history of cycling for over a decade - both in Grand Tours and across the calendar. I’m still in shock.
"Arkea-B&B Hotels will always be important to me. It’s the team where I turned pro, where they trusted me and gave me responsibility. I was able to thrive and learn my job in a calm environment.
"I’m really excited to discover a new environment, new team-mates, new equipment and a new way of working with the staff group.
"For me, it’s the logical next step in my career to continue my progression and explore new horizons."
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'Bang in Bologna!' - Vauquelin wins Stage 2 from the breakaway
Video credit: TNT Sports
The seventh-placed finish at this summer’s Tour was a breakthrough moment for Vauequelin, who secured his first stage victory during the 2024 edition in Bologna.
After turning professional in 2022, the Frenchman has also claimed overall wins at Etoile de Besseges and the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var.
Ineos team principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: "I’ve been excited to watch Kevin’s progress over the past couple of seasons. 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.
"He races with intelligence and ambition - qualities that fit perfectly with the Grenadiers.
"We believe his best years are ahead of him and we’re excited to help him realise his potential."
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Vauquelin previously expressed regret about the fact that he would not have a proper farewell with Arkea, having suffered an injury following the Tour de France.
"I'll say it in my own words: I'm not happy about it," he told L’Equipe. "Ending an adventure like this is a shame in itself, even though we finished the Tour on a high note.
"But I would have liked to finish this season with the team, with the staff, with whom I'm still in touch."
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