XEFI Becomes New Title Sponsor for Historic French Cycling Team
The French IT firm secures the future of Jean-René Bernaudeau’s professional cycling outfit.
1Securing the Team's Future
The historic French cycling team, currently known as TotalEnergies, has secured its professional future by signing a new title sponsor. The French IT firm XEFI will take over naming rights starting in 2027. This three-year agreement ends months of uncertainty regarding the team’s survival following the conclusion of their previous sponsorship cycle.
2Alignment of Shared Values
Team manager Jean-René Bernaudeau highlighted a strong cultural alignment between the cycling outfit and XEFI. Both organizations emphasize training, personal development, and high standards. The partnership draws parallels between the team’s youth development programs, such as Vendée U, and the apprenticeship schemes currently operated by the Lyon-based IT services company.
3Corporate Profile of XEFI
XEFI is a Lyon-based company providing integrated IT services to approximately 25,000 small and medium-sized businesses. The firm is not new to the sport, having previously sponsored the amateur team VC Villefranche-Beaujolais. Their commitment extends to internal employee health programs, reflecting a broader corporate interest in promoting physical activity and wellness.
4Financial and Operational Outlook
The specific financial value of the three-year sponsorship deal remains undisclosed, leaving the exact budget for the upcoming seasons uncertain. Despite this, the team is moving forward with its UCI license application process. They intend to maintain their status as a second-division ProTeam while continuing to pursue competitive racing opportunities.
5Roster Challenges and Departures
The period of uncertainty caused several key riders to depart for other teams. Top-ranked rider Jordan Jegat joined Lidl-Trek, while others like Anthony Turgis and Nicolas Breuillard moved to XDS Astana. The team now faces the significant task of rebuilding its roster to remain competitive for the 2027 professional cycling season.
6Management and Staffing Changes
In a move to bolster leadership, the team announced that former Tour de France yellow jersey wearer Tony Gallopin will join as a sports director. This appointment signals a strategic effort to stabilize the team's technical direction. The organization is currently working to finalize its roster and prepare for future racing commitments.
7Competitive Racing Prospects
As a second-division ProTeam, the squad missed automatic invitations to Grand Tours in 2026 after ranking fourth in their category. However, they remain eligible for wildcard invitations and aim for a 28th consecutive appearance at the Tour de France. They continue to participate in various one-day events within the WorldTour calendar.
8Legacy and Long-term Vision
Founded as the Vendée youth squad in 1991, the team has been a staple of the professional peloton since 2000. By partnering with XEFI, the organization seeks to restore meaning to elite sport while maintaining its commitment to developing young athletes. The focus remains on shaping individuals alongside achieving professional racing success.
Original article: Cyclingnews — XEFI Becomes New Title Sponsor for Historic French Cycling Team