Arnaud Demaret, one of France's leading sprinters, says that five months after quitting Groupama-FDJ mid-season, he remains angry at the way his former team treated him. Last June, when told by Groupama-FDJ that he had not been selected for the Tour de France for the second consecutive year, Demare said he was "angry and disappointed." Earlier that month, DeMare said he understood that he would no longer be part of the team in 2024. He was released from his contract and left Groupama-FDJ last August 1 to join Arkea-Samsic (now Arkea-B&B Hotels). In an interview with France3 TV station, the 32-year-old sealed his criticism of his former team, saying, "I still have feelings of anger, feelings I don't understand. I have always been a professional and I have always cared about my team. I felt betrayed and that they didn't recognize what I had contributed."

Cycling News asked Groupama-FDJ team manager Marc Madio for his reaction to DeMare's criticism, but Madio declined to comment, but said he sees DeMare as a "great rider" and wishes things had gone differently. He said he wished things had gone differently.

Since turning pro in 2012, De Mare has spent his entire career with Groupama-FDJ, winning 93 of his 95 career victories to date, including two stages of the Tour de France, eight stages of the Giro d'Italia, Milan-San Remo, and Paris-Tour.

De Mare, who will begin his first full season with Arcare B&B Hotels in the Mallorca Challenge series, said in an interview with France3, "Despite my 95 wins, I need to prove who I am."

The 32-year-old added that he has nothing to say to former team manager Marc Madiou. Madiou has stated in the past that he has had discussions with his former team co-director, Demare, and will work to resolve any differences of opinion, and that he continues to admire Demare.

"Politically, it makes sense for him to say that. But I have nothing to say to Marc."

Demare had nothing but praise for his current director, Emmanuel Hubert, and the new relationship he is building with the team at Arcare B&B Hotels.

"In my 12 years (at Groupama-FDJ), no one said 'bravo' to me for what I have done. That was the first thing Emmanuelle Hubert said to me. I feel they are proud of me and I want to return the favor."

Asked by Cycling News about DeMare's points, Madio said, "I don't want to comment, but I stand by what I said in the past. Arnaud is a great rider and I would have liked a different result. I don't hold grudges."

The team is now in a position to make a decision on the race.

DeMare, who is now set to return to the Tour with Arcare B&B Hotels, said he hopes to repay their trust with a win next July.

"Arcare has never won the Tour. I have won it twice. I want to win again. That's my goal for next July."