Cofidis Shines at Paris-Nice 2026: A Week of Cohesion and Strong Results
Paris, France – Team Cofidis concluded a remarkable week at Paris-Nice 2026, marked by exceptional team solidarity and several top-15 finishes. Ion Izagirre, a veteran rider, secured an impressive 7th place in the general classification, marking his sixth career top-10 finish in the ‘Race to the Sun’.
Collective Spirit Drives Cofidis’s Success
The team’s performance was characterized by a strong collective spirit, evident in their constant communication and mutual support. This was particularly highlighted during Tuesday’s team time trial, where despite it not being their strongest discipline, Cofidis delivered a promising 10th-place finish. Later in the week, on the roads leading to Apt, the team’s relentless effort to chase down a breakaway nearly paid off, with Bryan Coquard securing 4th place on the stage.
Ion Izagirre’s Consistent Performance Rewarded
Ion Izagirre proved to be a pivotal rider for Cofidis. On Thursday, amidst the challenging terrain leading to Colombier-le-Vieux, he skillfully navigated through the peloton to claim a notable 5th place, entering the general classification’s top 10 – a position he maintained until the final stage. In the last stage, the 37-year-old Basque rider stayed with the leaders, crossing the finish line in 7th position, thus securing his 7th place overall in Paris-Nice. This consistent performance underscores his experience and leadership within the team.
Izagirre expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Paris-Nice is a special race for me; I have very good memories here. Finishing in the ‘top 10’ of the general classification with the level of riders present is a great achievement. I knew I was in good form before coming, but you never know if you can compete with the best riders in the world. My sensations were very good, and that certainly makes me want to look ahead to what’s next.” He is now focused on his next goal, the Tour of the Basque Country, where he aims to shine again.
Cofidis Sprinters Show Promise
While there was a slight disappointment regarding the results of the first two days, the Cofidis sprinters demonstrated their potential. Milan Fretin finished 4th in the first stage, and Bryan Coquard secured 12th in the second. Despite some unfortunate circumstances, like Milan being hindered in the final sprint on Monday in Montargis, the team showed that they will be a force to reckon with in sprints throughout the season, promising exciting prospects for future races.
General Manager Praises Team’s Exemplary Spirit
Raphaël Jeune, General Manager of Team Cofidis, lauded the team’s efforts: “It was truly a crazy week. Our riders and all staff members showed an exemplary state of mind and total commitment. Collectively, the team was impeccable: we finished in the ‘top 15’ of every stage, and Ion Izagirre delivered a high-level performance in the general classification (7th). The major lesson from this Paris-Nice is that we have demonstrated, more than ever, our ability to win in the WorldTour. This is all the more remarkable given the particularly high level of competition. It was our first major race under this new jersey, and it gives us a good momentum. We will now look ahead to upcoming races in Belgium, France, and Italy, with the same motivation and state of mind to continue our momentum.”
Key Results for Cofidis at Paris-Nice 2026:
- Ion Izagirre: 7th in General Classification, 5th in Stage 5
- Milan Fretin: 4th in Stage 1
- Bryan Coquard: 4th in Stage 6, 12th in Stage 2
- Cofidis Team: 10th in Team Time Trial
The team is now looking forward to upcoming races, including Milan-Turin, Danilith Nokere Koerse, Grand Prix de Denain – Porte du Hainaut, Bredene Koksijde Classic, Milan San Remo (women and men), Grand Prix Jean-Pierre Monseré, and Midwest Cycling Classic (women).
