Exactly as it was expected, the internal rivalry between young and talented FDJ.fr sprinters will come to an end this season, as highly anticipated departure of Nacer Bouhanni has been confirmed by the French media and the 24-year old Frenchman will ride in the Cofidis outfit in 2015.
Following the French national championships, where Bouhanni finished runner up to his team-mate and rival Arnaud Demare, the 24-year old sprinter indicated that his departure from FDJ.fr was certain and Cofidis was expected to be his next destination.
"There is a 95% chance that I leave FDJ.fr," he had then announced.
As the official transfer window has been opened today, French media including L’Equipe and 100%velo were quick to announce that Bouhanni’s move to Cofidis alongside his closest FDJ.fr team-mate Geoffrey Soupe has been confirmed during the official press conference organized by the Pro Continental squad.
Financial demands of the 24-year old sprinter, reportedly one million per season for him and next one for his lead-out train, will force more profound changes in the Cofidis line-up for coming seasons, and the French Pro Continental squad is expected to let go at least one of their prominent riders: Daniel Navarro, Rein Taaramae or Jerome Coppel.
His trusted lead-out man Geoffrey Soupe will follow Bouhanni to his new team which has also signed his former teammate Dominique Rollin. Classics specialist Steve Chainel will make the move from Ag2r.
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