(BSS/AFP) - Total Energies announced on Thursday it will appear on Ineos Grenadiers` jersey at this year`s Tour de France while

remaining the title sponsor of its own French team.

The energy giant has been involved with the set-up based in western France for nine years and rumours about a full merger with Ineos had been circulating for a few weeks.

"As it has been since 2016, TotalEnergies will stand by Jean-Rene Bernaudeau`s team, to whom we have already confirmed our support for the 2026 season and our intent to engage discussions for 2027 after the Tour de France," Total Energies` chairman and chief executive Patrick Pouyanne said in a statement.

Total Energies also announced it would sponsor the Tour and the women`s edition of the race on a three-year deal.

"Total Energies confirms that its agreements with these two cycling teams are strictly commercial and exclude any influence and/or interference in sporting matters and race strategies," it said.

"The Company is implementing internal rules to ensure this separation and the full independence of both teams.
"A principle the UCI will monitor in accordance with its regulation," it added.