The “ONE 2024–2030” strategic plan sets out to establish a women’s team that will compete in the second-highest league of international cycling in 2027. Decathlon and CMA CGM are the project’s title sponsors, whilst Van Rysel is coming on board as a main partner. Adecco and SHINE by Cegid are providing support as official partners. Guillaume Bonnafond is integrating the new team into his existing NewGen programme. The addition of this French team further strengthens France’s dominance among the ProTeams.
Decathlon Squad and Support Staff
Twelve female riders make up the Decathlon Team’s squad. The support staff comprises a sports director, a coach, two support staff members, two mechanics, a team doctor, a physiotherapist, a nutritionist, and coaches specialising in athletic and mental training. This organisational model provides access to the resources of the men’s team and the full expertise of the Performance Centre.
Performance Centre and Partnerships
Team Decathlon CMA CGM is based in La Motte-Servolex and uses the Performance Centre there for talent development. The partnership with the French Cycling Federation and its president, Michel Callot, supports the development of young female riders. Van Rysel supplies equipment to both the men’s WorldTour team and the new women’s team.
”The launch of the Decathlon CMA CGM women’s team reflects the long-term ambitions we share with Decathlon and all our partners. Through this team, we aim to support a new generation of female cyclists in reaching the highest level of international competition, whilst contributing to the continued growth of women’s cycling. “This initiative underlines CMA CGM’s commitment to empowering female talent by providing female athletes with the best possible environment in which to flourish and build lasting success,” explained Rodolphe Saadé, Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM.
French teams in women’s cycling
In this year’s UCI Women’s WorldTour, France is represented by just one team: FDJ United – SUEZ. The Netherlands dominates the top tier of women’s cycling with three women’s teams. The situation is different among the ProTeams: of the seven teams, four are from France. Cofidis Women Team, Ma Petite Entreprise, Mayenne Monbana My Pie and St Michel – Preference Home – Auber93 all compete under the French flag. Dutch riders dominate the current Women’s WorldTour rankings: seven riders from the Netherlands feature in the top 20. Juliette Berthret of Team FDJ United – SUEZ is currently the only Frenchwoman in the top 20.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
