Vauquelin‘s transfer to Ineos Grenadiers Stalled Amidst Brailsford‘s Restructuring
The rising star of French cycling,Kévin Vauquelin,faces uncertainty despite a promising Tour de France performance,as his anticipated move to Ineos Grenadiers is currently on hold.
Kévin Vauquelin, 24, captivated cycling fans during the recent Tour de France, consistently placing within the top ten across seven stages and ultimately securing a commendable 7th place overall. This extraordinary showing instantly sparked speculation about his future, particularly given the financial instability of his current team, Arkéa-B & B Hotels, following the loss of key sponsorships at the end of June. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicated a preliminary agreement with Ineos Grenadiers.
While also attracting interest from Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale and Lidl-Trek, Vauquelin reportedly favored the offer from the British super-team. Though, his planned arrival, initially slated for the beginning of 2026, is now facing unexpected complications. These complications are unrelated to the ankle injury he sustained two days after the Tour’s conclusion at his home.Vauquelin underwent successful surgery on Tuesday in Lyon to address an issue with the interosseous tibio-fibular membrane – the joint between the tibia and fibula – and his season may continue despite the setback.
Brailsford’s Return and a Recruitment Freeze
The delay in Vauquelin’s transfer stems from the recent return of Dave Brailsford to a leadership role within ineos Grenadiers, as reported by Irish journalist Daniel Benson. Brailsford, renowned for his strategic prowess during his tenure with Team Sky, has seemingly implemented a freeze on new recruitment.
This isn’t an isolated case. Brailsford previously blocked the signing of Filippo Zana, negotiating an annual salary of €900,000, prompting the Italian champion to explore an extension with his current team, Jayco ALULA. He’s a very meticulous planner, and he wants to ensure every signing aligns perfectly with his long-term vision for the team,
a source close to ineos Grenadiers commented, speaking on background.
The potential impact extends beyond Vauquelin. Benoît Cosnefroy, Dorian Godon, and Sam Welsford are also reportedly awaiting clarity on their potential moves to Ineos. Existing riders, including Michal Kwiatkowski, are in discussions regarding contract extensions, while the futures of Ben Swift, Brandon Smith Rivera, and Kim Heiduk remain uncertain. Brailsford appears to be prioritizing the acquisition of a marquee signing, effectively pausing all other recruitment efforts.
