The DECATHLON CMA CGM team is pleased to announce the signing of three riders who will join the squad starting in the 2027 season. Laurens De Plus and Ben O’Connor have signed through 2028, while Pavel Sivakov will ride for the team through 2029. Among these three riders, Ben O’Connor is returning to the team, for which he has previously competed. These signings reflect DECATHLON CMA CGM’s ambitions and its commitment to continuing to develop its athletic program for the coming seasons.
Romain Bardet, future sports manager
"To provide them with an environment that will allow them to bring out the best in themselves"
“It’s a real joy to welcome Laurens, Ben, and Pavel. As a fellow rider, I can attest to what they represent: well-rounded, all- riders , seasoned in the biggest stage races, and men whose high standards and mindset are fully in line with the culture that the DECATHLON CMA CGM team is striving to build. Their arrival brings depth and synergy in the mountains, contributing to a team dynamic that grows stronger year after year. Alongside our young leaders, they form a group capable of reaching new heights. Ben’s return is especially meaningful: it shows that this team knows how to help its riders s grow and makes them want to come back. Our role will be to provide them with the environment that allows them to bring out the best in themselves and reach new heights—both personally and as a team.”
Laurens De Plus
"Working Together to Achieve the Greatest Victories"
“I’m truly happy to be joining DECATHLON CMA CGM. It’s a team with a rich history and a strong identity. I’m thrilled to be part of this project and to contribute to its ambitions. My goals are clear: to bring my experience to the team, support my teammates in the best way possible, and work together to aim for cycling’s greatest victories, including winning a Grand Tour. I also want to share my experience with the younger riders , help them develop, and guide them in achieving their goals. I believe I can contribute a lot to the team, both on and off the bike.”
Ben O'Connor
"My best performances to date have been with DECATHLON CMA CGM"
“My greatest achievements to date have been with DECATHLON CMA CGM, so having the opportunity to return to an environment where I’ve already found success is incredibly exciting. Over the past two years, the team has shown a real commitment to evolving and innovating in pursuit of peak performance. I can’t wait to get started and write the next chapter of this story together.”
Pavel Sivakov
“The ideal environment to continue making progress”
“I’m really looking forward to joining the team! The project and its stated ambitions immediately won me over. It’s clear that, year after year, the DECATHLON CMA CGM team is progressing and evolving to close the gap with the top teams in the world peloton. I want to be part of this rise and contribute to it, with the hope of seeing the team continue to grow and reach the top. I’m joining this project with the conviction that I can bring the experience and expertise I’ve gained over several years riding alongside some of the world’s top riders . I felt that the team could offer me the ideal environment to continue growing, both as a rider r and as a person. It’s also the first time in my career that I’ll be racing for a French team, which makes this new adventure even more special to me.”
