Mark Renshaw leaves Astana to lead Decathlon's 'sprint project'

The appointments come as part of the French team’s continued growing ambition since the arrival of Decathlon as a title sponsor for the start of the 2024 season, as illustrated by the arrivals of Olav Kooij and Tiesj Benoot from Visma | Lease a Bike, among nine new riders.

"The arrival of Mark Renshaw and Heinrich Haussler is in line with the team's vision of sporting and international, development," said Sébastien Joly, the team's manager. "These two new sports directors balance the dynamic between the team's French culture and its Anglo-Saxon riders and staff."

"Mark Renshaw will be dedicated to the sprint project, thanks to his experience as a pilot fish [lead-out man - ed.] and his success as sports director. Heinrich Haussler will form an excellent team with Luke Rowe and Julien Jurdie for the classics: his genuine passion for these races will be a real asset,” said Joly.

Renshaw was Mark Cavendish’s right-hand man for the majority of his racing career, and even in retirement was a key member of staff at XDS Astana behind Mark Cavendish’s record-breaking 35th stage victory at the Tour de France in 2024. The same can be said for Cees Bol, who Renshaw joins in departing XDS Astana for the French team.

"I started my career as a professional rider with a French team, so coming back to France really feels like completing a cycle," said Renshaw. "Working with some of the best sprinters in the peloton, with the aim of going out and winning races at the highest level, is extremely motivating as a sports director."

The Australian will be tasked with developing the team's new-look sprint train, which includes recent signings Bol and Kooij, with former Tour de France green jersey winner Sam Bennett departing the team to join Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling.

"The presence of a dedicated sprint train was the key element that convinced me to join the team," Renshaw added. "It's very motivating to be able to build something exceptional for the seasons to come."

Haussler, a former Milan-San Remo runner-up who was narrowly pipped to victory by Cavendish, coincidentally, will focus on the classics department alongside Luke Rowe and Julien Jurdie, having been at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in 2025.

"I want to contribute my experience as a rider and sporting director, so that I can pass it on to the younger generation. I'm looking forward to learning how the team works and advising the riders with my classics experience," said Haussler.