Clément Braz Afonso: Contract with Groupama-FDJ until 2028 for the engineer

The 24-year-old Frenchman Clément Braz Afonso has signed a contract extension that ties him to the French WorldTour team until 2028. He only made his debut in the WorldTour in 2025 with Groupama-FDJ and quickly impressed in his role as water carrier for the captains.

Clément Braz Afonso as a noble helper

According to Braz Afonso, working for the captains motivates him and takes the pressure off. He describes his task as liberating and sees it as a source of strength in every race. Last year marked a breakthrough for him, as he was able to hold on at the end of races and achieve results that he had not imagined at the beginning. His consistency and reliability make him a valued team-mate.

Scientific approach of the engineer

Braz Afonso uses his training as an engineer to analyse his performance development. He takes a scientific approach to understanding how performance is built up. This analytical way of thinking characterises his approach to cycling. He has a degree in ergonomics, design and mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Belfort-Montbéliard. The Frenchman emphasises that he doesn't want to sell dreams, but to realise them through hard work. He wants to earn responsibility, not obtain it through promises.

Clément Braz Afonso and his goals

Team manager Philippe Mauduit describes the contract extension as a matter of course. The additional two years should enable Braz Afonso to be in top form alongside the captains in the biggest races. At the same time, he should be able to capitalise on his own opportunities when they arise. Mauduit sees talent, potential and the right attitude for big victories. Within the team, Braz Afonso is already acting as a role model for young riders, passing on his determination and work ethic.

Review of WorldTour premiere

Just under a year ago, a new world opened up for Clément Braz Afonso: the WorldTour. By joining the Équipe cycliste Groupama-FDJ, the puncheur had reached the elite of cycling - and as he says himself, he has enjoyed every moment to the full. The 26-year-old Frenchman wrote a blog on the team's website about his first season in the 2025 WorldTour. In his "Carnet de Route", Braz Afonso talks openly about the highs and lows, unforgettable moments and the realisation that he has found his place at the highest level.

Clément Braz Afonso première at the Vuelta

The Vuelta, Braz Afonso's first Grand Tour, was the main highlight of his season - but the time afterwards proved to be challenging. "You can't predict how your body will digest a first Grand Tour," explains the 26-year-old. At the Giro dell'Emilia, he was satisfied with his level, even if he had hoped for more: "I was present... until the moment when I wasn't. I think I exploded three laps before the end. I was expecting better sensations in this post-Grand Tour phase."

Positive balance sheet and impressive figures

At the season talks in Besançon, the assessment was extremely positive: "Both the team and I were pleasantly surprised by my first WorldTour year. If I had been told that last year, I'm not sure I would have dared to ride this season," he admits openly. "This moment was very constructive and positive." An impressive figure illustrates the intensity: "I ended the season with seventy race days under my belt, where I had never before exceeded the fifty mark. Nevertheless, I coped with the strain pretty well." His realisation: "You really have to be able to find moments to refuel, because these are much more strenuous seasons compared to what I used to know."

Clément Braz Afonso and unforgettable moments

Clément Braz Afonso has also developed as a rider: "In the past, I was more of a 'follower'. This year you had to find the grinta every day." Physically, he also sees progress: "When I think about the Vuelta today, I still wonder how I did it. It was so crazy to keep going back to work for three weeks." He named his highlights for a video of his home club: "David's victory in Oman was the first victory I experienced as a helper. I also mentioned the visit from my parents and my sister as well as my breakaway with Bernal and Landa." His worst memory is surprising: "People always talk about that puncture at the Vuelta, but to be honest I suffered much more from my poor level at the Tour de l'Ain." The breakaway with Egan Bernal and Mikel Landa remains unforgettable: "That's probably the achievement I'm most proud of."

The most important lesson

"Overall, I'm happy with what I've shown and I'll take away from this season that you have to seize the opportunity when it's there," summarises Braz Afonso. "I don't know how many years I'll be riding in the WorldTour, but you have to try and savour all the moments, because they might not come back."