Published on : 05/18/2026
The Cofidis team has an incredible hunger for victory. The six wins this season, secured by five different riders, have had a positive effect: they’ve made the team eager to win again, and as soon as possible. “In every race, we do everything we can to aim for victory,” says Bryan Coquard in this week’s interview. The Classique Dunkerque on Tuesday and the 4 Days of Dunkerque offer great opportunities to raise our arms in victory once more. Watch this space!
Bryan Coquard: “We’ve got a great team spirit”
He is one of the team’s leading figures (and biggest smiles). Bryan Coquard, aged 34 and in his fifth season with Cofidis, set the tone right from the start of the season by winning the season’s opening race, the GP La Marseillaise. Since then, he has won again (in Greece) and the team continues to ride a wave of momentum. In this interview, Bryan shows that his motivation is sky-high to keep winning.
You’ve already won twice this season… How would you sum up the start of the 2026 season?
I’m pretty satisfied; it’s always good to start like this. There are lots of positives, a few regrets too, but that’s part of the game. I’d give it a 7 out of 10! As the years go by, there’s always that doubt about whether you’ll be up to the task, and I’m glad that’s the case.
You’ve got a slightly different role, can you explain it?
Yes, Milan Fretin has clearly taken the lead in the team’s sprinting, and that’s only natural, he’s the fastest. That also allows me to have a slightly different role: trying my luck on finishes that are a bit tougher and more selective. As you get older, you become more resilient, have more stamina and are a bit more ‘punchy’. And even though I still love sprints, I’m less and less keen on taking reckless risks.
“We’re going to give it our all all week!”
What are the team’s objectives for this week in the North?
We know this is a major event for the team. As a team from the North, there are inevitably high expectations from the fans and sponsors, and we want to rise to the challenge. Personally, I’m going to focus first and foremost on the Classique Dunkerque. Then we’ll be discussing with the staff about everyone’s roles and leadership. But one thing’s for sure: we’re going to give it our all all week!
It’s clear you’re really enjoying riding for Cofidis. How would you describe the atmosphere since the start of the season?
What I appreciate most of all is our fantastic team spirit. In every race, we do everything we can to aim for victory. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but no one shies away from putting in the effort and making sacrifices for the others. When you see Ion (Izagirre)’s season and his impeccable attitude, it can only make us want to give it our all. I know from experience that you have to stay humble, that we’ll no doubt face tougher times, but what matters is keeping that spirit of sacrifice and that mindset at all costs.”