After announcing his departure from Giant just a few days ago, Yoann Barelli has kicked off 2017 by revealing he’ll be riding for Commencal next year.

Barelli is an Enduro World Series racer and finished last season 16th overall. He will no doubt be hoping to recapture his 2015 form on Commencal though when he finished ninth with two second places.

The Commencal Vallnord team is currently ranked 14th in the world (ten places behind Giant) but the Meta has shown its championship potential under Cecile Ravanel.

Max Commencal said: “For us, the arrival of a new rider is never a decision that is taken lightly.  And so what about Yoann? We have known each other for a long time and to be honest, I never thought I would have the opportunity to count him among us.

“Yoann has a joy for life, a pure happiness whether he’s on or off the bike. It is a world all of its own and it is all disciplines at the same time! It’s a plus that he has a unique character that is appreciated and adored.”

There’s just one problem… Commencal don’t make any drop bar road or CX bikes for Barelli’s Whistler shredding.