Thibaut Pinot has committed his long-term future to Groupama-FDJ, as the French team has also signed Arnaud Demaret, David Gaudoux, and Stéphane Kühn to three-year contracts.

Pinot's previous contract ran through the end of 2020, but there was always the possibility that he would remain with the team where he began his professional career a decade ago. He would do so until at least the end of 2023.

Pinot was one of the stars of last year's Tour de France, dominating the mountain stages in the Pyrenees.

His new contract shows both the willingness of Groupama-FDJ, a French team with French sponsors, to invest in their brightest homegrown star and their relative stability at a time when contract negotiations are largely on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"It was clear that they wanted to continue their adventure with the Groupama-FDJ Cycling Team, and the commitment of the two title sponsors to 2024 was clearly a deciding factor in my decision to stay. Being able to rely on our loyal sponsors and partners allows us all to move forward peacefully," Pino said.

"From a sporting point of view, this project is becoming increasingly ambitious and interesting. Today we see the rise of young talents like David Gaudoux and Valentin Maduas. Personally, it inspires me and pushes me to transcend myself.

"Leaving at the peak of my career would leave me with unfinished business. I have not yet finished writing my story with this team. I am convinced we can still build great things and win the best races. Obviously, the Tour de France is the ultimate goal to which I want to devote 100%."

Groupama-FDJ has come a long way in strengthening its foundation for the near future. It has handed out three-year contract extensions not only to Pinot, but also to two prized Frenchmen, sprinter Demaret and climber Gaudoux. On top of that, Swiss ruler Stéphane Küng, who has already proven himself to be an important domestique, time trial contender, and classic rider, will join from BMC in 2019 and stay for another three years.

De Mare is also a classics specialist, having won stage victories at the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, as well as Milan-San Remo. He and Pinot have been far apart in recent years, with one of them leading a dedicated support team in the Giro and Tour, respectively. Pinot seems to have regained his passion for the Tour, but it remains to be seen how many opportunities the now 28-year-old Demare will have in the Grand Boucle over the next few years.

Gordou, on the other hand, has continued to rise after showing his promise with a win at the 2016 Tour de Lavenir. Since turning pro, he has performed well in mountain classics and week-long stage races, and showed Grand Tour potential by finishing 13th in last year's Tour.

The 23-year-old is considered a future Grand Tour contender, but for the time being he seems content to stay in Pinot's shadow in the FDJ.

Meanwhile, Kühn has also quickly integrated himself into the team and is playing an important role as the engine room of the Grand Tour contender. The Swiss time trial champion has done the classics and also handles the lead-outs.

"Adding more riders to this quartet is a natural act. Increasing the number of riders in this quartet is a natural act. Since the team's inception, the team has always been and continues to be committed to its riders in the long term," said Marc Madio, manager of Groupama-FDJ.

"Very often they are riders who have become professionals with us, with whom we have a trusting relationship and very high aspirations. I am convinced that it takes a long term effort to achieve extremely high sporting goals. The history of our sport confirms this.

"Our title sponsors, Groupama and FDJ, have shown their faith in us for another four years by committing to be with us until 2024. Thanks to this, we can offer Thibaut Pinot, Arnaud Demaret, David Gaudoux, and Stéphane Küng a plan with a long-term view."