After breakout season, Groupama-FDJ gives young French superstar a chance at WorldTour-level

Groupama-FDJ are one of the most active teams on the transfer market this year. The French squad have had to say goodbye to riders such as Stefan Küng and Lewis Askey, but they’ve brought in six new signings to replace them. On top of that, several young riders are being promoted to the WorldTour team – and the latest one is arguably the most exciting of the lot.

On Wednesday, the team announced that Maxime Decomble will officially join the elite squad. The 20-year-old Frenchman enjoyed a fantastic year in the U23 ranks, but he also shone whenever he was given opportunities at pro level. He finished fifth in the time trial at the Étoile de Bessèges – Tour du Gard, and third in the time trial at O Gran Camiño. But the youngster is far more than just a time trial specialist.

He did, of course, take bronze in the U23 time trial at the World Championships, but he also finished fourth in Liège–Bastogne–Liège U23 and claimed silver in the road race at the European Championships. At the Tour de l’Avenir, Decomble spent no fewer than five stages in the yellow jersey, only losing the overall lead in the final stage to compatriot Paul Seixas.

After his campaigns in Rwanda and France, he capped off his season by winning Paris–Tours U23 right at the end. In short, Decomble can do it all: time trialling, climbing, gravel – nothing seems beyond this super talent, who will now get his chance among the big boys. Groupama-FDJ have signed him for the next three seasons, following in the footsteps of top prospects like Romain Grégoire.

Decomble isn’t the only rider making the step up to the elite level next year. His fellow U23 generation member Titouan Fontaine will also wear the colours of Groupama-FDJ United. He hasn’t collected the same palmarès as his compatriot, but he has still earned a two-year deal to race in the WorldTour.

In total, the French team have added eight new riders to their roster. Alongside Decomble and Fontaine, they previously announced the arrivals of Clément Berthet and Bastien Tronchon (both from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Ewen Costiou (Arkéa–B&B Hotels), Axel Huens (Unibet Rose Rockets), Josh Kench (Li Ning Star) and Matteo Milan (Lidl–Trek Future Racing). The future looks very bright indeed for Groupama-FDJ!