Decathlon to Assume Ownership of French WorldTour Cycling Team from AG2R La Mondiale
July 9, 2025
French sporting goods giant Decathlon will assume full ownership of the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale WorldTour cycling team at the end of 2025, marking a significant shift in the team’s long-standing structure. The transition will see Decathlon become both the principal sponsor and owner, concluding AG2R La Mondiale’s near three-decade-long association with the professional cycling outfit.
The team is currently competing in the Tour de France and has outlined ambitious goals, aiming to become one of the world’s top three cycling teams by 2028. Central to this vision is rising star Paul Seixas, the 18-year-old French cyclist who finished eighth at this year’s Critérium du Dauphiné, and is viewed as a key part of the team’s future.
Insurance company AG2R La Mondiale has played a pivotal role in professional cycling since 1997, becoming title sponsor in 2000 and taking sole ownership of the team in 2022. Over the years, the team has been home to high-profile riders such as Jaan Kirsipuu, Romain Bardet, Jean-Christophe Péraud, and Ben O’Connor.
Reflecting on the transition, Fabrice Heyriès, Managing Director of AG2R, stated:
“After a shared journey of nearly 30 years, we could not have hoped for a better partner to carry forward the team’s legacy. Decathlon has demonstrated commitment, expertise, and a shared passion for cycling. We are proud of our contribution and thank all riders, staff, and partners who have been part of our journey.”
Decathlon’s move signals a deeper strategic intent to expand its influence in elite cycling. In addition to owning the premium Van Rysel bike brand, which the team currently uses, the company is reported to be increasing the team’s budget to €40 million, according to Cyclingnews.
Céline Del Genes, Global Chief Customer Officer at Decathlon, noted: “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 cycling, not just sponsor its present.”
She also acknowledged AG2R La Mondiale’s enduring legacy and commitment: “We are proud of the journey shared with AG2R and thank them for their dedication over the past 28 years. A new chapter is now opening, fueled by a bold ambition to win.”
The shift in ownership reflects broader trends in professional cycling, where commercial and sporting ambitions increasingly intersect. Decathlon’s entry as a full owner underscores a growing interest among large retail brands in developing long-term sporting assets beyond sponsorship.
As AG2R La Mondiale exits team ownership, its role in shaping French cycling over the past three decades remains significant. For Decathlon, this marks the start of a new phase—one focused on building a competitive global team with the infrastructure, resources, and talent to succeed at the highest level.