BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Whilst team ownership isn’t typically something which BikeBiz would report upon, this one is a little different.
Decathlon, a major cycling and sports retailer, has continued to shake up the established order, making massive strides over the past 24 months.
When Van Rysel launched, few could have predicted that the French sporting goods retailer would have such a significant impact in the sports and enthusiast marketplace, yet that’s exactly what has happened, in cycling, and beyond.
It’s for this reason that, today, the news of a team ownership change appears on BikeBiz.
The announcement reads:
Decathlon and AG2R La Mondiale announce a change in the shareholding structure of France Cyclisme, the legal entity of the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team. From the end of the 2025 season, Decathlon will become the sole owner of the team, succeeding AG2R La Mondiale.
A legacy of shared values and performance
As the Team’s sponsor since 1997, its main sponsor since 2000, and its sole owner since 2022, AG2R La Mondiale has played a defining role in shaping the team’s identity, values, and development, championing solidarity, performance, and bold ambition for nearly three decades.
The co-naming partnership with Decathlon, launched in 2024, has built on this legacy and paved the way for a new phase of growth. The change in ownership will take effect at the end of the 2025 season, ensuring a smooth and fully anticipated handover.
Céline Del Genes, Global Chief Customer Officer, Decathlon: “Cycling is, and always has been, core to Decathlon. This change is more than structural; it reflects our long-term strategic intention to deepen our involvement in the sport at the highest level.
“We want to shape the future of the sport, not just sponsor its present. We are proud of the journey shared with AG2R La Mondiale and thank them for their dedication and commitment to the team for the past 28 years.
“A new chapter is now opening, fueled by a bold ambition to win, and we can’t wait to write it together with the team.”
Over the past two years, Decathlon and AG2R La Mondiale have co-built a strong and forward-looking project, one grounded in shared values and a commitment to athlete development and sporting integrity.
Fabrice Heyriès, Managing Director, AG2R La Mondiale. “It is with profound emotion, shared by all AG2R La Mondiale’s employees and members of the board, that we transfer the ownership of our cycling team to Decathlon.
“After a shared journey of nearly 30 years, we could not have hoped for a better partner to carry forward the Team’s legacy and to bring it towards new heights. Over the past two years, we have been able to gauge Decathlon’s commitment, expertise and ability to be more than just a sponsor for the Team. Like us, they passionately cheer at each race while tirelessly striving for greater performance to achieve tomorrow’s victories.
“AG2R La Mondiale remains the Team’s partner until December 2025. Until then, we are delighted to know that the end of this extraordinary journey for AG2R La Mondiale opens an exciting new chapter for the Team.
“We take great pride in our Group’s contribution as the Team’s longstanding partner and extend heartfelt and sincere gratitude to all the riders, staff and partners who have contributed to the many outstanding successes during this tenure.”
A new chapter guided by a long-term vision
Moving forward, this decision marks the beginning of a transition phase that will unfold through the end of 2025. Both partners are working closely together to ensure that the Team can move seamlessly into its next chapter with continuity across leadership, rider support, staffing, and sporting objectives as a shared priority.
With 16 victories and 46 podium finishes already in the 2025 season, the team continues to build on its momentum with consistency and ambition. Cycling remains a core sport for Decathlon, and the team will continue to serve as a driving force for high performance, innovation, and inspiration, notably through its association with Van Rysel.
Dominique Serieys, CEO, France Cyclisme, “This is a new chapter in France Cyclisme’s history. Over the past 18 months, we’ve built a strong and constructive relationship with Decathlon, grounded in shared values and common goals. AG2R La Mondiale’s long-standing support has profoundly shaped the team’s identity, and that legacy remains central as we prepare the transition toward a new ambition.”
This announcement marks a new chapter for the team. As part of its strategic vision, Decathlon is already preparing for the next stage of the Team’s development, with strong ambitions set for 2026 and beyond. The objective is clear: to continue growing both in depth and performance, with the goal of entering the UCI World Ranking Top 3 by 2028.
