The Italian cyclist Giovanni Lonardi has joined the French cycling team Groupama-FDJ United, as the team announced on Tuesday. This move adds to recent additions, including Ludovic Crescioli, who joined last June, and Émilien Jeannière, who was confirmed more recently. Lonardi, who turned professional in 2019, will begin wearing the team's jersey in the 2027 season for a two-year contract. Throughout his career, he has primarily competed in the ProTeam category, spending five seasons with Polti VisitMalta. Lonardi is known for his sprinting abilities, a skill he brings to Groupama-FDJ United. In a statement, Lonardi expressed his admiration for the team, particularly for Arnaud Démare, a prominent sprinter who has won multiple stages at the Giro d'Italia and worn the race leader's jersey. "This has inspired me a lot," Lonardi said. He also outlined his personal goals, stating that he aimed to join the WorldTour and win a stage at the Giro. "I still have one box to check," he added, indicating that achieving a Giro stage victory remains a target. Lonardi recently finished second in the final stage of the Giro, held in Rome, coming behind Jonathan Milan and ahead of Paul Penhoët, who may leave the French team at the end of the current season. His performance in the Giro was preceded by victories in the first stage of the Arctic Race of Norway and the second stage of the Tour of Istanbul, where he also placed fourth in the overall standings. In 2025, he won the Elite Plouay Grand Prix, finishing ahead of French cyclist Emmanuel Houcou. Lonardi's transition to Groupama-FDJ United marks a significant step in his career, aligning him with a team that has a strong presence in both sprinting and stage racing. His experience and recent successes suggest he could contribute significantly to the team's ambitions in the upcoming seasons.