Alexis Gujard has signed a one-year contract with Cofidis and will return to the World Tour in 2024. The Frenchman was dropped to amateur for the 2023 season following the collapse of the B&B Hotels team last winter.

"I am very happy that the team has put its faith in me," Gujard said in a statement released by Cofidis on Friday. "During the season, my goal was to get back on my feet and show that I can get back to the professional level. I am glad that Cofidis has taken note of my work over the past few months."

"I am very happy that I was able to get back on my feet and show that I can be a professional again.

Gujard, a native of Rouen, Normandy, has returned to his hometown club, VC Rouen 76, following the demise of B&B Hotels, where he spent the 2022 season. The 30-year-old has won a number of domestic races this year, including overall victories at Le Coeur Tour, Neufchatel en Sao Noi Grand Prix, and Tour des Deux Sèvres Magasins. Gougeard also successfully rode alone for more than 120 km in the French amateur championships, finishing seventh in Kassel.

"I am especially grateful to VC Rouen 76 for accompanying me throughout the season and giving me so much freedom. It has helped me regain my confidence and I must thank them for this beautiful adventure."

Gujar first turned pro with AG2R in 2014 and scored his biggest win the following year with a stage victory at the Vuelta a España in Avila; before moving to B&B Hotels in 2022, he spent eight seasons with a team led by Vincent Lavenu in the cobbled classic He was a major player in the

"We had already talked with Alexis about him joining us, but it didn't happen," said Cofidis manager Cedric Vasseur, adding that Gouégard would play a key role in the cobbles for his new team.

." We have watched his development this year. And given the results he has already achieved as a professional and his dominance at the amateur level, we are pleased to offer him the chance to prove his abilities at the highest level."