€40 million budget and a Tour de France dream - Decathlon to take full ownership

"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," said Céline Del Genes, Global Chief Customer Officer at Decathlon in the press release.

The planned transition marks the end of AG2R's nearly three-decade involvement with the team, with themselves becoming a real staple in professional cycling. The insurance group had sponsored the French squad since 1997, served as main sponsor of the team since 2000, and became sole owner in 2022 before bringing Decathlon on as co-naming partner in the 2024 season.

AG2R La Mondiale Managing Director Fabrice Heyriès expressed mixed emotions about the handover: "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."

The team, which operates under the legal entity France Cyclisme, has enjoyed a strong 2025 season with 16 victories and 46 podium finishes so far, along with some strong general classification performances. Both partners emphasise that the transition will be gradual and seamless, with AG2R La Mondiale remaining the team's partner until December 2025.

Dominique Serieys, CEO of France Cyclisme, highlighted the relationship built with Decathlon: "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."

Decathlon has ambitious plans for the French team's future development,  with a budget of 40 million euros according to L'Equipe whilst setting a goal for the squad to reach the UCI WorldTour Ranking Top 3 by 2028 along with aiming big in the Tour de France with young French talent, Paul Sexias. The sporting goods retailer aims to leverage its Van Rysel brand connection while maintaining the team's momentum in professional cycling.

"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," added Serieys.

The ownership change completes Decathlon's progression from co-naming sponsor to full team owner, signalling the company's deepening commitment to professional cycling as part of its broader sporting strategy.