Cofidis announced that it will extend its sponsorship of the cycling team through 2028, fueling the possibility that Julien Alaphilippe will lead the French team in 2025.

Cofidis won two stages of the 2023 Tour de France thanks to Ion Izazire and Victor Lafaye, but they are currently 19th in the 2024 UCI men's team standings, struggling to secure results and important ranking points. They are fighting to avoid relegation to the WorldTour in 2026, but have set a new, loftier goal of "getting closer to the top 10 in the WorldTour and joining the women's WorldTour."

Cofidis said that she will "fly the flag for the team and provide the team with the means to enhance and retain the talent that continues to make the company's employees proud."

Registered for Cofidis in 2024 are Guillaume Martin, Bryan Coquard, Simon Geschke, and Ion and Gorka Izaguirre. The women's continental team includes French national champion Victoire Berteau, who finished eighth in Paris-Roubaix. Cofidis also sponsors a para-cycling team.

Alaphilippe's contract with Sudar-Quick Step ends this year, and his relationship with coach Patrick Lefebvre remains cool due to his repeated criticism.

Alaphilippe, 31, is probably past his prime and has been hampered in his classic campaign by pain from a microfracture of the fibular head after a crash at Strada Bianche. His next race is the Giro d'Italia.

"With this confident news, we can look forward to a calm and stable future," said team manager Cedric Vasseur.

"Although our start to the season has not lived up to our expectations, it is important to thank all the team members who have given their all for each race. I am confident that good news and success will return soon, as this extension does, and having visibility out to 2028 is an opportunity to take a long-term view, secure riders, and strengthen the team."

Vasseur had made it clear at the start of the season that he was interested in Alaphilippe.

"Julien needs a new challenge in his career and we should not hide it. I don't think Patrick Lefebvre will fight to keep him, so we will be open to discussions." Vasseur said.

Cofidis has been involved in cycling for 27 years and uses the sport to promote its loans and financial products. The company is headquartered in northern France but also does business throughout Europe.

"There is a history and strong internal ties between Cofidis and cycling.

"Since its inception, our values have resonated with those of the sport. Following in the footsteps of our runners, cycling, whether for commuting or leisure, has become a reality for many of our employees"

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"Like the two stage wins we experienced in the last Tour de France, we can regularly sense the enthusiasm that our riders have evoked within the group. By renewing our commitment, we hope to continue this story that has become part of our beautiful brand history.