Among those about to embark on the first training camp in January and those who are about to take part in the first competitive engagements of the season, almost all teams in the group are now well focused on the challenges of 2026.

Finding a contract in this context where essentially the totality of rosters are about to inaugurate their efforts is therefore decidedly complex, but despite this, there are still those among the free agents who hope to make it.

This is the case of Antoine Huby who, after his first two professional seasons wearing the Soudal Quick-Step jersey, has been left out, not being confirmed by the Belgian team that had picked him from Vendée U Pays de la Loire in 2024.

"I am doing everything possible to obtain a contract, but unfortunately I have nothing in my hands yet" explained the young French rider to Le Telegramme. "Yes, there have been some preliminary contacts, but we are still far from being able to sign an agreement. Despite this, I do not give up, I continue to believe," Huby stated resolutely, and to prove that he continues to hope for a call, he has by no means been idle in the meantime.

"I continue to behave as if I already have an engagement for next year, training with the same mentality as someone who is about to start their season in January or February. This is because I want to remain appealing in the market and because, if a team contacts me, I want to be immediately ready," revealed the native of Saint-Brieuc, who, after obtaining notable results as an amateur such as second place in the category Liège race in 2023 and winning the Peace Race the same year, struggled to confirm himself and show his potential among the big names in cycling.

At only 24 years old, however, Huby is (rightly) convinced that he has not yet shown the best of himself and that he has those margins for growth that in high-level cycling could translate into successes or prestigious placements. Everything, however, passes through a clear but not simple mission: finding a team for this year.