Matthew Riccitello Joins Ambitious French Cycling Team
American cyclist Matthew Riccitello, who recently made headlines by securing fifth place at the Spanish Vuelta and earning the white jersey for the best young rider, is set to join a French cycling team with lofty goals starting in 2026.
The 23-year-old from Tucson, Arizona, has signed a contract with the Decathlon CMA CGM team for the upcoming three seasons, the French team announced on Monday.
Riccitello, renowned for his climbing prowess, expressed his eagerness to enhance his performance in stage races and grand tours. “I want to continue to progress as a rider in stage races and grand tours. I’m convinced that this team will push me to reach my full potential,” he stated.
Decathlon, a major player in the sporting goods industry, has partnered with CMA CGM, a leading global shipping company, to invest in a French cycling team with the ambition of clinching a Tour de France victory. Decathlon is slated to assume full ownership of the team, currently known as Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, at the close of the 2025 season.
Sébastien Joly, the team’s sports director, highlighted Riccitello’s addition as a strategic move to bolster the team’s climbing capabilities. “Matthew strengthens the group for stage races and general classifications, and is a real asset to the team,” Joly remarked.
The team is working with an estimated budget of 40 million euros ($47 million), which is modest compared to the 60 million euros available to Tadej Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Despite this, they aim to secure a Tour de France win within five years.
Riccitello is excited about joining a team with such aspirations and growth. “I admire the team’s ambition and progress over the last few years,” he commented.
Riccitello will be racing alongside notable talents, including 18-year-old French cyclist Paul Seixas, who recently finished eighth at the Critérium du Dauphiné, a vital preparatory event for the Tour de France. The team also includes seasoned cyclists like Felix Gall and Aurélien Paret-Peintre.
The recent Vuelta unfolded amid diplomatic tensions, as pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted several stages, calling for Riccitello’s current team, Israel Premier Tech, to be ousted from the competition. Despite these challenges, Riccitello remained focused, achieving the best result of his career.
Reflecting on the race, Riccitello said, “There is no doubt that this was a difficult race for us, with everything we have been dealing with out on the road. But it also pulled the guys really close, being in it together.”
For more details on the recent Vuelta, see this article.
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