One year after arriving alongside Jean-René Bernaudeau, Stéphane Heulot has transformed the TotalEnergies team through his network and vision, offering the Vendée-based squad a promising future with XEFI's support.
Stéphane Heulot, the silent tactician bringing Vendée cycling back to life
One year after his arrival at TotalEnergies, Stéphane Heulot has managed to inject new momentum and convince a major sponsor to secure the future of Jean-René Bernaudeau's squad.
Twelve months ago, few would have bet on such an outcome. Stéphane Heulot, former yellow jersey wearer of the Tour de France, was returning to Vendée's roads alongside Jean-René Bernaudeau, not to don the rider's jersey, but to take on the general manager's role. A significant challenge awaited him: to sustain a structure navigating between ambition and uncertainties. Bet made, and even exceeded expectations.
The Breton didn't simply bring a prestigious name or contacts from his address book. Above all, he introduced a philosophy, a mindset forged during his racing career. Where others might have attempted to revolutionize the existing setup, Heulot preferred to listen, analyze, and build progressively. His knowledge of the peloton and his network among potential partners helped unlock situations that seemed deadlocked.
The arrival of XEFI as the title sponsor, revealed on Tuesday, seals this long-term work. This partnership of at least three seasons finally offers the team the financial visibility essential to attract the best talents and structure an ambitious sports project. The outlines of this new chapter are only beginning to take shape, but the foundations seem solid.
The challenge now is to convert these advantages into results on the road. The intentions are there, the funding as well. The rest belongs to the cyclists who will have to translate this positive momentum into concrete results during the coming seasons.
One year after his arrival at TotalEnergies, Stéphane Heulot has managed to inject new momentum and convince a major sponsor to secure the future of Jean-René Bernaudeau's squad.
Twelve months ago, few would have bet on such an outcome. Stéphane Heulot, former yellow jersey wearer of the Tour de France, was returning to Vendée's roads alongside Jean-René Bernaudeau, not to don the rider's jersey, but to take on the general manager's role. A significant challenge awaited him: to sustain a structure navigating between ambition and uncertainties. Bet made, and even exceeded expectations.
The Breton didn't simply bring a prestigious name or contacts from his address book. Above all, he introduced a philosophy, a mindset forged during his racing career. Where others might have attempted to revolutionize the existing setup, Heulot preferred to listen, analyze, and build progressively. His knowledge of the peloton and his network among potential partners helped unlock situations that seemed deadlocked.
The arrival of XEFI as the title sponsor, revealed on Tuesday, seals this long-term work. This partnership of at least three seasons finally offers the team the financial visibility essential to attract the best talents and structure an ambitious sports project. The outlines of this new chapter are only beginning to take shape, but the foundations seem solid.
The challenge now is to convert these advantages into results on the road. The intentions are there, the funding as well. The rest belongs to the cyclists who will have to translate this positive momentum into concrete results during the coming seasons.
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Source: Ouest-France