Dream takes shape as Josie Talbot signs with Cofidis

Australian rider Josie Talbot has signed her first professional contract, joining French team Cofidis.

The announcement continues an impressive year for the NSWIS product, who recorded the biggest win of her career at the Oceania Road Race Championship in April, taking out the elite women’s road race for Sydney Uni-Staminade.

Talbot also claimed her first win of the National Road Series in February, with a stage win at the Mitchelton Tour of Gippsland and finishing fourth overall at the event.

The Camden Cycle Club rider travelled to Europe this year for a stint of racing.

In August, she finished sixth at the La Picto – Charentaise elite women's professional one-day road race. This weekend, the 26-year-old sprinter will represent Australia at the UCI Road World Championships in her hometown of Wollongong.

In a team statement from Cofidis, Talbot said she was excited about the signing and is dedicated to helping her new team achieve their potential in 2023.

“I know that I have a huge chance to be in a team that has such a rich and significant history in world cycling. I will do everything to fit in as well as possible within the team, and have a good relationship with my teammates," Talbot said.

Talbot joins French riders Morgane Coston and Flavie Boulais, who were also announced as new singings for Cofidis. Fellow Australian Rachel Neylan currently races for the French squad.

Career Highlights

• 1st, Junior Women Oceania Road Race Championship (2013)
• 1st, UCI Junior Women Team Pursuit World Championship (2014)
• 1st, Elite Women Oceania Road Race Championship (2022)
• 4th, Mitchelton Tour of Gippsland Overall (2022)
• 1st, Mitchelton Tour of Gippsland – Stage 3 (2022)

Pictures: Con Chronis and Alex Polizzi