Rumours about L'Oréal: Is the cosmetics giant getting involved in cycling?
Thomas Goldmann
· 12.06.2025
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The French cycling team Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale may be on the verge of a financial upheaval. As the French newspaper Le Télégramme reported that the cosmetics group L'Oréal will join the World Tour team as a new co-sponsor from the 2026 season, which is based on the Racing bikes from Van Rysel rides. At the same time, the long-standing sponsor AG2R La Mondiale is planning to withdraw from sponsorship. The insurance company has been present on the team's jersey for more than 25 years. With the arrival of new sponsor L'Oréal, the team should have significantly more financial resources at its disposal. According to Le Télégramme will also be reflected in the strengthening of the rider squad. The signings of Dutch sprinter Olav Kooij and Belgian classics rider Tiesj Benoot for the 2026 season are already said to be in the bag. The French sports newspaper L'Équipe recently reported. Both riders are currently still under contract with Team Visma | Lease a Bike.
Is a tour jewel on the way?
In addition to these two prominent names, according to information from Le Télégramme also finalised the signing of US climbing specialist Matthew Riccitello from Israel - Premier Tech. The 23-year-old Riccitello is regarded as one of the most talented cyclists and could significantly strengthen the team in the major national tours. With these high-calibre new additions, the team is underlining its ambitions to increasingly compete for victories in the Grand Tours and the most important one-day races in the future.
Long-standing sponsor AG2R is probably pulling out
The entry of L'Oréal goes hand in hand with the exit of AG2R La Mondiale. The French insurance group has been the team's namesake since 1998 and has accompanied the team through highs and lows. Its greatest successes during this era included Romain Bardet's second place in the 2016 Tour de France and numerous stage wins in the Grand Tours. The withdrawal of AG2R La Mondiale would mark the end of an era in French cycling. At the same time, however, L'Oréal's involvement would open up new prospects for the team. With the significantly higher financial resources, the team could increasingly fight for victories in the most important races on the cycling calendar in the future.
