Race news
Former French champion Florian Sénéchal set to join Unibet Rose Rockets
L’Équipe has reported that former French champion Florian Sénéchal will join Unibet Rose Rockets in 2027. The team is expected to confirm the news later this week.
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Florian Sénéchal is set to join Unibet Rose Rockets in 2027, according to a report published by L’Équipe on Tuesday. According to the newspaper, Sénéchal’s arrival will be formally confirmed by his new team later this week.
The Frenchman spent the 2026 season with Alpecin-Premier Tech following the disbandment of Arkéa-B&B Hotels last year. Sénéchal lined up in support of Mathieu van der Poel at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, but he was not included in the squad’s selection for the Tour de France.
The 33-year-old has claimed five victories as a pro, including the French title in 2022, a stage of the Vuelta a España in 2021 and Le Samyn in 2019. All five of his pro wins came during his time at Quick-Step from 2018 to 2023.
Sénéchal’s arrival will buttress Unibet Rose Rockets’ cobbled Classics squad, and he would also be expected to play a key role in the lead-out train that has been assembled for Dylan Groenewegen.
Speaking to SPORTS 59/62 in October, Sénéchal said: “I think I’m almost back to my level of four or five years ago, I’ve worked hard to get back. I’ve had a good year, I’ve just been missing a win.”
The Dutch-managed Unibet Rose Rockets are registered as a French ProTeam, and they have designs on earning a wildcard invitation to the Tour de France.
Bas Tietema’s squad was overlooked for a Tour wildcard in 2026, with ASO opting to invite Caja Rural-Seguros RGA. They instead made their Grand Tour debut at the Giro d’Italia.
Unibet Rose Rockets have so far made only one confirmed new signing for 2027, with former Cofidis rider Axel Mariault returning to a higher level after two seasons at Continental squad CIC.
Another French rider, Victor Lafay, confirmed last month that he would not be at Unibet Rose Rockets in 2027. Lafay joined the squad from Decathlon CMA CGM last winter, but he never raced in their colours after being affected by health problems throughout 2026.
“It’s certain that I won’t have a contract in January 2027, and besides, I’m not looking for one,” Lafay told L’Équipe. “Right now, I’m just focused on getting my health better… It’s impossible for me to plan ahead, and yes, I’m already starting to think about other projects outside of sports…”
