The Caja Rural-Alea development team continues to produce new professionals. French rider Ellande Larronde (Lapurdi, 2006) needed just a few months with the under-23 team to convince Caja Rural-Seguros RGA coaches and secure a spot in the ProTeam for at least the next three seasons.

In recent months, Larronde has confirmed he possesses the skills and qualities that make him worthy of this commitment. Caja Rural-Seguros RGA once again relies on the youth and talent of a promising young rider who has already achieved four victories in his debut as an under-23 rider: a stage of the Challenge Alicante Interior, the opening stage of the Vuelta a Navarra, and a stage and the overall classification of the Tour de Haute Bigorre in France.

In all these competitions, the French rider demonstrated two of his best qualities: a good ability to navigate medium mountain stages and his strong sprint, especially in small groups and on challenging days. This makes him a very promising rider in demanding races. Additionally, Ellande has become a respected track cycling representative of the French national team.

His adventure as a new professional will begin in 2026, after completing his first U23 season following the competition and development program planned with Filial Caja Rural-Alea.

"This change means a lot to me. Becoming a professional with Caja Rural-Seguros RGA and participating in the world's highest-level races is indescribable. I can't wait to give my best. Who am I? I started mountain biking in 2022. I participated in French Cups and some races in Spain. The results were quite good, so I started training more seriously with my father. At the end of 2023, I joined the OSE team to participate in more races, and in 2024 I set aside mountain biking to focus on road racing and start racing on the track as well. I'm not a great climber, but I think I've improved thanks to this first season in Spain. On the track, I'm part of the French elite team and continue to improve my technique, strategy, and speed."

And further: "For the end of the season, I hope to continue gaining experience, learn everything I can, help my teammates win races, and, why not, raise my hand again. I also hope to participate in the Track World Championships in October. Next year, I'll try to contribute as much as possible: I think I can help the team, for example, by launching the sprinter; that would already be a victory for me."