Victor Lafay’s career looked dangerously close to an early ending after two seasons wrecked by injury and illness. But the picture around the 29-year-old’s future has brightened considerably, and he has been confirmed to join Unibet Rose Rockets.Lafay was hailed as one of the breakout stars of the 2023 Tour de France, claiming a memorable victory on stage two in Bilbao with a punchy, instinctive attack that marked him as one of the most exciting finishers in the peloton. Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team snapped him up soon after, expecting him to become a central figure in their one-day and hilly stage race projects.
Instead, persistent knee issues and repeated bouts of illness derailed his momentum. Across the following two seasons, Lafay struggled to string together consistent racing, and with his physical problems refusing to relent, he even considered the prospect of hanging up his wheels for good.
Glimpses of the old spark
Despite being unable to fulfil his potential at Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, Lafay reminded everyone of his quality late in the year, taking second overall at the Gree-Tour of Guangxi behind Paul Double. It was a timely performance — and a reminder that the rider who tore up Bilbao is still there when his body cooperates.
What is confirmed is that Lafay will not continue with Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. What is now increasingly likely is that he will not be retiring either.
Fresh start looming
French media suggest Lafay will link up with a French squad in January — signing ahead of the 2026 campaign. The identity of the team remains undisclosed, but the move would hand him a crucial fresh start and the chance to rebuild fitness, confidence and rhythm away from the constant injury cycle that has defined the past two years.
For a rider who appeared dangerously close to calling time, the prospect of a reset and a renewed shot at the WorldTour offers a welcome twist. Lafay is not done yet — and the peloton may soon see him fighting at the front again.
UPDATE
According to L’Équipe, that French team would be Unibet Rose Rockets. That would make sense in the current moment of Lafay’s career in which retirement is a potential possibility, and Unibet presents a new challenge in a team that tackles pro cycling in a different way and could be a motivating challenge.
OFFICIAL
Late in the afternoon this Wednesday, the news have been confirmed by the team. Lafay, in a video shared by the team, has said: “In World Tour teams you have to fit in a box and I think I was not fitting inside this box. I was thinking of selling cheese in Japan and having a food truck of croque monsieur. At that moment Bas (Tietema, team manager, ed.) contacted me”.
“And then he called me and said ‘can I go to Annecy tomorrow?’ I think we rode for one hour but we stopped for four hours. I think Bas is interested in doing things differently. Like I said I had offers from World Tour teams but I knew I wasn’t going to be happy, and I think I’ll really enjoy being in the ‘Rockets’.”
Victor Lafay’s career can change significantly this year. @Sirotti