Arnold Jeannesson is the first new signing of the Fortuneo-Vital Concept team. The French climber has signed a one year contract with the formation led by Emmanuel Hubert. 

The Breton team has signed 30-year-old Jeannesson as a leader and as a luxury teammate for Eduardo Sepulveda in the mountains. Arnold Jeannesson has already participated in three grand tours and this year he returned to his best with a fourth place overall in the Criterium International.

"In sporting terms, my season was complicated," he said. "I want to turn to 2017. Emmanuel Hubert offered me an interesting project, we have the same vision for cycling. It is a family team but I think it has nothing to envy other teams when it comes to professionalism. He made ​​me understand that he trusted me and he was counting on me for Paris-Nice and the Criterium International. This is a team of attackers where each rider can have a chance. I also want to take part in cyclo-cross. I know Francis Mourey was perfectly integrated into the team and I hope to do races with him."

Manager Emmanuel Hubert added:

"Arnold joins us next year as a reinforcement for stage races early in the season. With him we can aim for a top 10 in Paris-Nice. For some objectives,he may play his own card but we also rely on his experience to support Eduardo Sepúlveda. He is a meticulous and conscientious boy who wants to progress and evolve in a family atmosphere."