Pogačar's UAE Emirates team snaps up top French classics talent from Decathlon: 'A powerful rider'

Gautherat joined AG2R as an intern in 2022 and was added to the WorldTour team in 2023. He immediately demonstrated his potential in his first year as a pro, with results including a seventh-place finish at Le Samyn and a fifth-place finish at the Heistse Pijl. He finished tenth at the U23 World Championships.

In 2024, Gautherat’s career really took off. He got off to a flying start, finishing sixth in the Tour de la Provence, among other results, competing in his first Flemish spring classics, and placing third in the Tro-Bro Léon. A ninth-place finish in the elite race at the French National Championships also captured the imagination.

After an outstanding autumn, during which he proved himself to be a fast rider and a puncher, Gautherat claimed his first professional stage win at the Four Days of Dunkirk in 2025. He also finished second in the Tro-Bro Léon. This season, he won Paris-Camembert.

In 2026 the Frenchman came 29th at Strade Bianche and 2nd at the Classique Dunkerque.

Gautherat recently made a name for himself when he kept pace with Mathieu van der Poel in the Tour of Luxembourg and narrowly lost in a sprint. After Luxembourg, he finished fifth in Paris-Chauny. UAE Emirates-XRG is thus adding a sprinter to its roster who can handle climbs exceptionally well, even in the classics.

In a press release from the team, Gautherat is described as “one of the most promising young riders for the classics,” already boasting considerable experience for his age. “A powerful rider, well-suited for the challenging classics and grueling one-day races,” according to UAE.

The one major thing missing in his career in recent years was a Grand Tour. Perhaps he’ll get that chance with UAE, though spots on the UAE team are hard to come by. “I’m very proud to be riding for UAE Emirates-XRG. This is a great opportunity for me,” said the Frenchman.

Naturally, Gautherat hopes to take a step forward in his development, although Grand Tours don’t seem to be his main goal. “I’m especially motivated by the classics and want to work my way up to the biggest races. Hopefully, I can contribute to the team’s success.”