The women’s Cofidis team continues to build for the upcoming season with the addition of two more riders, Victorie Guilman and Clara Koppenburg. Guilman, 25, has signed for the next two seasons, while Koppenburg, 29, returns to the team she previously raced for over a two-year period before joining EF-Oatly-Cannondale this year, this time on a one-year contract.
Guilman, who currently rides for St Michel-Mavic-Auber 93, has had some impressive results this season. She finished 6th overall at the Tour Down Under and took 7th at the WWT-level Deakin University Road Race (aka Cadel Great Evans Great Ocean Road Race). Her strong form has been clear, with further top-10 finishes, including 6th at the Région Pays de la Loire Tour in June.
Cofidis sports director Mélanie Briot said of her signing: “We are delighted to welcome Victorie to the team. She’s a rider with a wealth of experience in the UCI World Tour, and she will bring that experience to the team, which will be particularly valuable in managing the closing stages of races.”
Briot praised Guilman’s adaptability, highlighting her role within the team’s climbing group. “Victorie has a versatile profile. She’ll fit well in the climbing group and will also be very comfortable in puncheur-style races, such as the Tour de Normandie or in stage races. Having seven French riders in the team for 2025, as we did in 2024, will be particularly interesting, especially for the French national championships.”
Koppenburg, currently riding for EF-Oatly-Cannondale, also brings significant experience and returns to Cofidis after racing with the team earlier in her career. This season, Koppenburg’s notable performances include a 17th place at the Tour Féminin l’Ardèche and a 10th in the German national championships. She also rode to 39th in the overall standings of the Vuelta a España Femenina.
Briot was thrilled to welcome Koppenburg back to the fold, commenting, “I am delighted to see Clara return to the team. Everyone who was part of the squad when she was with us holds fond memories. She was a key figure at Cofidis. Her dedication, professionalism, and expertise helped the team progress and reach where we are today.”
Koppenburg’s influence on younger riders is expected to be crucial. “She will once again share her experience with the team, which will be invaluable, especially for the younger riders. Clara is primarily a climber and excels in stage races. The fact that she’s come back shows that she has forged a strong connection with the team, feels good here, and was keen to continue her journey with us.”
As the team looks ahead to the 2025 season, both Guilman and Koppenburg will be instrumental in helping Cofidis compete in the biggest races on the calendar.
Main photo credit: ASO
