In a press release issued this Thursday morning, the training Cofidis announced two pieces of news. First, it announced the contract extension of the Spaniard Jonathan Lastrawho extended his lease with the northern team by one season and will therefore still wear the red and white jersey in 2025. “I am very happy to extend my contract with Cofidis. My last season was not easy and I am very lucky to know that the team trusts me”explains in particular the one who evolves at Cofidis since 2023 after having spent all his first professional years within the Caja Rural-Seguros RGA.
Video – Cédric Vasseur will lead Samitier and Lastra in 2025
At least five Spanish riders in the Cofidis squad in 2025
The other news of the day regarding the WorldTeam managed by Cedric Vasseurit is the arrival, for three years and coming from the Movistar Teamof Sergio Samitier ! Thirteenth of the Tour of Italy In 2020, the 29-year-old climber will strengthen the Iberian contingent of the Cofidiswhich will therefore have at least five Spaniards in its workforce in 2025 (Sergio Samitier, Jonathan Lastra, Ion Izagirre, Jesus Herrada And Alex Aranburu). The Aragonese is the tenth recruit announced by the northern team since August 1st and the official opening of the transfer market.
Statements from the two riders and Cédric Vasseur
Sergio Samitier : “After five seasons at Movistar, I wanted a big change. I wanted to challenge myself and above all find what I love most: enjoy the big stage races, fight to help the team shine and also try my luck. People who know me know that I like to be free and give it my all without counting the cost. I want to help the team as much as possible, especially in the mountains, so that my new teammates can show their full potential. I can also join breakaways, especially in the mountains, and try my luck. For me, I’m not joining a new team, but a new family.”
Jonathan Lastra : “I am very happy to extend my contract with Cofidis. My last season was not easy and I am very lucky to know that the team trusts me. I want to thank the management and the staff by giving my all during the races. It is a great opportunity to regain confidence and have a great season next year. There are several Spanish riders in the team and that necessarily makes things easier. But we do not think in terms of nationalities, we want to shine with all the riders in the team!”
Cedric Vasseur: “Sergio Samitier is a new major reinforcement for the Cofidis team. He has the experience of a road captain and will be able to push the team to new heights. Sergio is used to working for his leaders and we are counting on him to guide Alex Aranburu to victory. He is also capable of playing his personal card. He has already finished in the top 15 of a Grand Tour, this demonstrates his consistency and regularity, especially as soon as the road climbs.
“Each will have a very specific role in the team in 2025, and Sergio will have the objective of supporting our leaders to allow them to go for the victory. In the same vein, we are delighted to continue the adventure with Jonathan Lastra. He also has an important role to play in preparing the ground for our leaders, and I think that the association of Sergio and Jonathan will allow the team leaders to save themselves to go for many bouquets in 2025.”
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