Promising American cyclist Matthew Riccitello, who finished fifth overall in the Spanish Vuelta and won the white jersey for best young rider, is joining a French team with big ambitions in 2026.<\/p>\n
The 23-year-old rider from Tucson has signed with the Decathlon CMA CGM team for the next three seasons, the French outfit said on Monday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to continue to progress as a rider in stage races and grand tours. I\u2019m convinced that this team will push me to reach my full potential,\u201d said Riccitello, who is known for his climbing skills.<\/p>\n
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Matthew Riccitello, of Tucson, competes in the first stage of the tour of Spain, La Vuelta, cycling race, an individual time trial with start in Lisbon and finish in Oeiras, Portugal, Aug. 17, 2024.<\/p>\n
Pedro Rocha, Associated Press<\/p>\n
Decathlon, a global sporting goods company, has joined forces with CMA CGM, one of the world\u2019s largest shipping firms, to invest in a French team with Tour-winning ambitions. Decathlon had previously announced it would take over full ownership of the French team currently known as Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at the end of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n
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S\u00e9bastien Joly, the team\u2019s sports director, said signing Riccitello will help improve the squad\u2019s climbing division.<\/p>\n
\u201cMatthew strengthens the group for stage races and general classifications, and is a real asset to the team,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
With an estimated budget of 40 million euros ($47 million) \u2014 compared to the 60 million euros available to Tour de France winner Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s UAE Team Emirates-XRG \u2014 the team aims to win the Tour within the next five years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI admire the team\u2019s ambition and progress over the last few years,\u201d Riccitello said.<\/p>\n
Riccitello will ride alongside one of France\u2019s brightest young talents, 18-year-old Paul Seixas, who finished eighth at this year\u2019s Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 \u2014 a key warm-up race for the Tour de France. The team also boasts experienced riders such as Felix Gall and Aur\u00e9lien Paret-Peintre.<\/p>\n