Ineos Grenadiers have secured the under-23 world champion, Axel Laurance, for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The 23-year-old from Brittany clinched the 2023 under-23 world title with a daring solo break with two laps to go in Glasgow, having been part of an early attack. He also claimed victory in the Tour of Norway in May and a stage at the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya in March, before completing his first Tour de France in July.
Laurance raced for B&B Hotels – KTM in 2022 until the team disbanded. He then joined the Alpecin-Deceuninck development squad in 2023 and later moved up to their WorldTour team. He is regarded as one of the brightest French prospects of his generation.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Ineos Grenadiers, which is going to be a hugely exciting step in my career,” Laurance said. “In all our discussions, I’ve been very impressed with the set-up. The plans they have in place for the future and the expertise involved mean that it’s an exciting place to be.”
Laurance is expected to play a significant role in the Ineos Grenadiers’ Classics team. With Jhonatan Narváez leaving for UAE Team Emirates, Luke Rowe retiring, and Ethan Hayter moving to Soudal-Quick Step, the Grenadiers are reshaping their roster. Bob Jungels, Victor Langellotti, Samuel Watson, and 18-year-old neo-pro Peter Øxenberg have already been confirmed for the 2025 squad.
Scott Drawer, Ineos Grenadiers’ Performance Director, is spearheading the team’s recruitment for 2025 as they look to rebuild. The British team has struggled to compete financially with other top teams for the best riders and is now focusing on developing young talents.
“We’re not going to buy the top guys in; we’re going to develop our own. That’s more exciting for coaches and riders,” Drawer told Cyclingnews during the Tour de France. “Axel reflects the modern bike rider – he is hungry, motivated, and curious. Most importantly, he is a winner, and we can’t wait to see him grow and play a role in shaping the future of this team.”
“In his short pro career so far, Axel has shown that he is a winner. He has already achieved some impressive results, and the way he won his world title last year made everyone sit up and really take notice. He’s then carried that form into 2024 and recently completed his first Tour de France, so he’s taken some big strides in a short period of time,” Drawer continued.
Laurance added, “I believe that I’ll quickly find my feet and together we can achieve both my personal dreams and realise those of the Grenadiers. I can’t wait to get started. The Grenadiers have a rich history, and I want to add to that; I’m here to win races and to get results.” Axel Laurance’s signing is part of Ineos Grenadiers’ broader strategy to rebuild and rejuvenate their team, focusing on nurturing new talents.
Main photo Credit: ASO/Charly Lopez
