Alexys Brunel, the 26-year-old cyclist from TotalEnergies, made headlines on March 9, 2025, as he returned to the competitive cycling scene after taking a two-and-a-half-year hiatus following his departure from the UAE team. His victory at the Grand Prix Jean-Pierre Monseré, the first stage of the Coupe de Belgique, not only marks his comeback but also symbolizes his determination and resilience.
Brunel's win came after he executed a decisive attack six kilometers from the finish line, finishing eight seconds ahead of his competitors. The Frenchman celebrated this achievement with a finger-to-lip gesture, explaining, "This celebration is for the people who speak without knowing." This moment highlighted not just his athletic prowess but also the emotional weight he carries from past criticisms and challenges.
After stepping away from UAE, where he had secured a lucrative contract, many speculated whether Brunel's cycling career was effectively over. His departure stemmed from personal difficulties and feelings of burnout, which he candidly discussed. "My life was catastrophic, my family situation was disastrous. I was hiding from the reality and eventually cracked under pressure." His reflections resonate not only within the cycling community but also among fans who have followed his unpredictable career.
Prior to his recent victory, Brunel was active early this season, participating in races like the GP La Marseillaise, where he showcased his natural talent and competitive spirit. He led an 88 km breakaway amid freezing temperatures during the event at Mont Bouquet and finished fourth at the Classica Camp de Morvedre, hinting at the potential for his return to form.
Brunel stands at 1.90 m tall, giving him a prominent physical presence on the biking circuit. His impressive first race results may have followed him not just to the finish line, but back to the bike itself, as he now dons the TotalEnergies jersey on a one-year contract. His agent, Clément Gourdin, described him as "an artist" and "an hypersensitive person" who needs careful management. Gourdin articulated the importance of nurturing Brunel’s unique personality to help him thrive: "If you give him love, he is not complicated to manage. Even if he has made mistakes."
Brunel is well aware of the doubts surrounding him; he knows the stakes of his comeback. "I’m aware this is the last chance," he reflects, acknowledging the challenges he faces not just on the bike but off of it as well. Since his resignation from UAE, where he faced strict expectations and sometimes felt misunderstood, Brunel has expressed gratitude toward TotalEnergies for allowing him the freedom to be himself. "They focus on the human aspect, and that's something rare these days. I feel heard, and I'm doing everything to perform well," he noted.
His path hasn't been devoid of personal strife, including tensions with former teammates like David Gaudu, whom Brunel openly criticized. "He is not what he thinks he is, just because he has won races; it doesn't make him great," he said pointedly. These raw, unguarded moments speak to Brunel's character—he's unapologetically himself and unwilling to back down from confrontation.
Following his win, Brunel also conveyed how grateful he is to return to competitive cycling—a sport he cashed since his teenage years. Before committing fully to cycling, Brunel played football until the age of 15 and experienced varying levels of success across multiple athletic pursuits. This wide-ranging background contributes to his complex personality as well as to his capabilities on the bike.
Looking forward, Brunel aims to regain his foothold within the elite ranks of cycling. He expressed excitement about participating in classic Ardennes races and is targeting another Grand Tour. "Just being here is already rewarding," he said, hinting at his aspirations beyond just achieving victories but growing psychologically and as an athlete.
His past achievements, which include being named Velo d'Or Juniors, champion d'Europe du contre-la-montre Juniors, and champion de France Espoirs de la discipline, testify to the immense potential many believe he possesses. Despite the controversies he has faced—both on and off the bike—Brunel is ready to capitalize on the second chance he has been offered, determined to prove himself as one of the standout figures of French cycling.
Will he overcome the hurdles and clichéd perceptions surrounding him? With fervor, commitment, and perhaps, the right support, Brunel is prepared to confront the cycling world head-on again, adding his name to the annals of this tenacious sport.