From crash frustration to career crossroads
It’s been a frustrating year for Cosnefroy, who hasn’t raced since crashing on stage one of the Tour de Suisse back in June — a setback that derailed his hopes of competing at both the French Championships and the Tour de France. Still, his long-term pedigree and attacking style have ensured his name remains high on the list for teams chasing proven winners.
A rider built for punchy classics, Cosnefroy owns an enviable 21 professional victories, including the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, the Bretagne Classic, and the Brabantse Pijl (La Flèche Brabançonne) in 2024.
Cosnefroy celebrating his only win of 2025
UAE continue to build around Pogacar’s all-conquering core
For UAE, the interest fits their ongoing strategy: surrounding Pogacar with experienced riders who can both support him and seize chances of their own. After nearing 100 victories this season, the Emirati outfit are intent on pushing those numbers even higher in 2026 — and riders like Cosnefroy offer both tactical depth and guaranteed firepower.
If the deal is finalised, it would see Cosnefroy join a star-studded UAE line-up already packed with all-rounders and punchers — the perfect setting for a rider whose instinct is to race aggressively from the front.
Cosnefroy’s standout victories
Cosnefroy’s reputation is built on his consistency in one-day races and short stage events. Among his standout wins are:
Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec (2022)
Bretagne Classic – Ouest-France (2021)
De Brabantse Pijl – La Flèche Brabançonne (2024)
Grand Prix du Morbihan – three-time winner (2019, 2024, 2025)
Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var (2024)
Paris–Camembert (2019, 2024)
Étoile de Bessèges (2020)
Add to that a Grand Prix La Marseillaise title (2020) and multiple national-level triumphs, and it’s easy to see why UAE see him as an ideal fit for their classics ambitions.
If confirmed, the move would mark the biggest step yet in Cosnefroy’s career — and another statement of intent from a UAE Team Emirates – XRG project that shows no sign of slowing down.