Decathlon and AG2R have worked together before. Between 2000 and 2007, the sports retailer, which is one of the largest in the world and provides a large part of its product range from its own brands, was once a bike supplier for the professional team sponsored by an insurance company. Now the two have found each other again.
Decathlon & AG2R: Gap to top teams to be closed
And this time, Decathlon is investing more, even becoming involved as a name sponsor. From 1 January 2024, Vincent Lavenu's team, which has been racing in the peloton since 1992, will be called Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. The deal is said to be worth 26 million euros per year, which could not only secure the team's supremacy in France, but also significantly reduce the gap to the absolute top teams in terms of budget. The company made the corresponding announcements at the official presentation of the partnership on Monday at its headquarters near Lille.
Decathlon's racing bike brand Van Rysel replaces AG2R's previous bike supplier, BMC, has been rumoured in the media since the middle of the year and was officially confirmed a week ago. Van Rysel also brings along goggles and helmets. The blue and white Jerseys from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale and the black trousers are produced by Italian manufacturer Rosti. Citroen, co-name sponsor for three years, continues to provide the team cars.
The Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale 2024 road bikes
Six new riders for Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
In addition to new equipment, Decathlon is also bringing six new riders to the team. AG2R had not previously announced any new additions, only the Career ends from Greg Van AvermaetMichael Schär, Mikael Cherel and the departures of Clement Venturini (Arkea - B&B Hotels) and Marc Sarreau (Groupama-FDJ). It is now clear why.
The good news was also delivered by the new sponsor, who, in addition to the professional team, also co-finances the U19 team of the same name and the Devo project. Six new riders will start for AG2R in 2024:
- Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe)
- Victor Lafay (Cofidis)
- Sander De Pestel (Team Flanders-Baloise)
- Bruno Armirail (Groupama-FDJ)
- Dries De Bondt (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
- Gianluca Pollefliet (Lotto-Dstny Development)
Sprinter Bennett comes from Bora-Hansgrohe after a largely hapless second attempt and, like the This year's Tour de France stage winner Lafaywho was lured away from French rivals Cofidis, is one of the most notable additions. But Armirail, former French time trial champion and two days in pink at the Giro this yearhas already earned his merits. He comes from Groupama-FDJ. This means that 28 professionals have signed with the new Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team for 2024.
