Gaël Le Bellec has been appointed the new director-sportif of the ARKEA-B&B HOTELS women’s cycling team, bringing with him a wealth of experience from both the amateur and professional realms of women’s cycling. Having previously worked with the Breizh Ladies in Brittany and spearheaded projects at Cofidis Femmes and Charente Maritime, Le Bellec’s appointment is seen as a pivotal move for ARKEA-B&B HOTELS. His expertise is expected to propel the team from its current status to the ProTeam level and subsequently to the WorldTour, emulating the success of the men’s team.
Emmanuel Hubert, the General Manager of ARKEA-B&B HOTELS, expressed enthusiasm for Le Bellec’s joining, highlighting his comprehensive understanding of women’s cycling. The partnership between Le Bellec and Grégoire Le Calvé is anticipated to yield significant advancements in the team’s performance, aiming for ProSeries status by 2025 and future integration into the Women’s WorldTour. Hubert’s ambition aligns with the growth trajectory of women’s cycling, underscoring a commitment to nurturing female talent to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Le Bellec, reflecting on his new role, shared his motivation for joining ARKEA-B&B HOTELS, attracted by the team’s human-centric approach to achieving performance. His decision was influenced by Hubert’s patience and confidence, which ultimately convinced him to take on the challenge. Working alongside Le Calvé, Le Bellec is poised to leverage their shared experience for the benefit of the team and its riders.
Le Bellec announced his departure from Cofidis Women’s Team at the end of the 2023 season, citing a need for greater job security and a perceived erosion of trust with the team’s management. His tenure at Cofidis was marked by significant achievements, including elevating the team to a continental level and nurturing talents such as Valentine Fortin.
