Outspoken Cavagna about failed Movistar adventure: "For me it's important to feel good mentally"

He was part of today's Soudal Quick-Step for seven years, which changed after 2023. Rémi Cavagna left team boss Patrick Lefevere's formation for Spanish Movistar. He rode a remarkably anonymous 2024 with that team, after which the Frenchman is already leaving. Speaking to Marca, Cavagna was outspoken about his failed adventure with the Spanish formation.

"It didn't work out well," the 29-year-old Frenchman began. "Still, I am happy with the staff and the riders. I don't have a bad relationship with any of them." Several aspects led to a challenging 2024 for him, but it was mainly because he did not ride a single grand tour that hurt him. "It's important for a cyclist like me to ride a grand tour, and this year, I didn't. That was hard, but I think I will ride a grand tour again next year. It's important for me. I would like to ride in the Giro or the Tour." According to rumors, Cavagna is expected to find a place next year with France's Groupama-FDJ.

He does not hide that the French hard rider has had a rocky year. "It hasn't gone well. If the head isn't there, the legs aren't there either." Still, he does not feel bad about his rapport with his team management and teammates. "There is no problem. I have already talked to Eusebio Unzué (Movistar's team boss, ed.) and many others. I have tried in Spain, but it didn't work out. That's life, right?" concluded a very realistic Cavagna.

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Cavagna in the wheel of Mads Pedersen during Paris-Nice

For Cavagna, there was nothing left but to leave

And so the time trialist, born in Clermont-Ferrand, searched for a new adventure. "This is difficult for me, but I know that if I stay here another year, it might be worse for the future. That's why I prefer to leave." So that is expected to be Groupama-FDJ, a team where he hopes to find the joy of cycling again. "For next year, I hope to be lucky, make good GCs, and gain points with another team. The new cycling has changed significantly, and you must handle all the details. For me, it is important to feel good mentally because this year I have been terrible in that," the Frenchman concluded quite openly.

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