Imagine pouring your heart and soul into something for 26 years, only to step away. That’s exactly what’s happening at TotalEnergies, as team manager Jean-René Bernaudeau prepares to retire after a remarkable run. But who will fill his shoes, and what does this mean for the future of the team?
For 26 seasons, Bernaudeau has been the driving force behind the TotalEnergies ProTeam. However, as 2026 approaches, this era is coming to an end. Taking over the reins will likely be Stéphane Heulot, who until recently managed the Lotto team. This transition marks a significant shift for the French cycling squad.
Bernaudeau’s journey in cycling spans decades. From 1978 to 1988, he was a professional racer himself. In 2000, he founded the team that would eventually become TotalEnergies. But here’s where it gets interesting: nine years before establishing the ProTeam, he created Vendée U, a development squad that has served as a crucial feeder system for TotalEnergies ever since, nurturing young talent and providing a pathway to the professional ranks.
Heulot, a 54-year-old native of Brittany, is stepping into the role at a pivotal moment. He recently departed Lotto ahead of their anticipated merger with Intermarché-Wanty. This move has sparked considerable discussion within the cycling world.
“I’m the happiest man, but unhappy for my staff and riders because I loved this team and that’s still the case,” Heulot stated upon leaving Lotto. “I’m happy with what I’ve experienced because, in my opinion, I’ve succeeded in my mission – we’ve brought the team back to the WorldTour.” His words reveal a complex mix of emotions and a strong sense of accomplishment.
According to Ouest-France, Bernaudeau and Heulot quickly found common ground on the team’s core values and philosophy. And this is the part most people miss: Maintaining the team’s ethos of developing riders internally, without relying on a massive budget like some of the bigger squads, is considered essential as the management changes hands. This commitment to nurturing talent from within is a defining characteristic of the team.
During his tenure, Bernaudeau guided the team through numerous transformations and title sponsorships. Starting as Bonjour at the start of the new millennium, the team evolved to become Brioches La Boulangère, Bouygues Telecom, and Europcar before the French energy company Direct Energie/TotalEnergies took over sponsorship in 2016. Each name represents a chapter in the team’s rich history.
Beyond the sponsorships, the team has celebrated significant victories, including nine stages each at Paris-Nice and the Critérium du Dauphiné, as well as triumphs at the GP Québec, the Bretagne Classic – Ouest-France, and the Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa. These wins stand as testaments to the team’s competitive spirit and strategic prowess.
TotalEnergies has also been instrumental in developing some of cycling’s most recognizable faces. Thomas Voeckler and Sylvain Chavanel are prime examples of riders who rose through the ranks within the team. Other prominent French cyclists, such as Pierrick Fédrigo, Pierre Rolland, and Anthony Turgis, have also been part of the TotalEnergies family. Furthermore, international stars like Peter Sagan and Niki Terpstra have spent time with the team, adding to its global appeal.
Looking ahead, the team will be spearheaded by Anthony Turgis, winner of a stage in the 2024 Tour, and the promising Emilien Jeannière, who achieved an impressive 15 podium finishes in 2025, including a stage win at Paris-Nice, the Copenhagen Sprint, and the Bretagne Classic. These riders represent the future of TotalEnergies.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: Can Heulot maintain Bernaudeau’s legacy of developing talent from within, or will the team need to adapt its strategy to compete with the bigger, wealthier squads? What kind of changes do you foresee for TotalEnergies under Heulot’s leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments below!