French IT and data center company XEFI replaces TotalEnergies to keep French ProTeam alive

French IT services and data center company XEFI will replace TotalEnergies as the title sponsor of the French ProTeam, ensuring Jean-René Bernaudeau's team races on in 2027 and so likely secure a wild card invitation to the Tour de France.

Team owner Bernaudeau and team manager Stéphane Heulot have been in a desperate chase to find a new sponsor to replace TotalEnergies. Many of their best riders opted not to wait and moved to rival teams but the team has reportedly secured a 10-12 million Euro budget as part of a three-year agreement with XEFI.

"Seeing XEFI on this team's jersey will be incredibly moving," Sacha Rosenthal, the founder and president of XEFI said. 

"We will have ambitions, and we will be there for them in the difficult times. I want the entire XEFI family, in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, and overseas territories, to be thrilled by this team. I want everyone to look forward to the races, to cheer on the riders, to share their emotions, and to be happy to come together for an adventure that unites us."

XEFI is based in Lyon, employs 2000 staff and offers IT services to small and medium sized businesses via a franchise structure. It operates in France, Switzerland, Belgium and Spain and has a reported turnover of €400 million in 2025, and aims to reach €1 billion in turnover by 2028.

"This project is not a desperate attempt to reinvent the wheel, but a commitment to restoring meaning to elite sport, while remaining true to our convictions and our demand for transparency," Bernaudeau said.

"I congratulate Stéphane Heulot on his remarkable work. I warmly thank Sacha and his entire team, who have already welcomed us so warmly in Lyon. A truly wonderful adventure is beginning, you can be sure of that."

After being known as Bonjour-Toupargel, Brioche La Boulangère, Bouygues Télécom, Europcar, DirectEnergies and TotalEnergies over the years, the French ProTeam will have a new name and new colours for 2027.

Last week Chinese bike brand Pardus confirmed it will be the team's bike sponsor.

On Monday, Tony Gallopin was confirmed as lead sports director and he has been working on the team's roster for 2027. Mathis Le Berre, Jason Tesson, Thomas Gachignard, Joris Delbove are all expected to stay with the team after staying loyal in recent months, with five riders stepping up from the Vendée U development team. Anthony Turgis and Jordan Jegat have both secured contracts with other teams for 2027.

"Being able to plan for several years ahead, after a season finale disrupted by the circumstances, is a great reward for the work done by Jean-René and Stéphane," Gallopin said.

"I'm joining a historic French cycling team, with a strong identity and a history to which I am happy to be able to contribute.

The challenges of this year's end are now turning into opportunities. Strong partners have continued to place their trust in the organization, and I'm eager to get to work with the 2027 group."