"A decisive step": Decathlon CMA CGM expands into women’s peloton with 2027 ProTeam launch
CyclingThursday, 30 July 2026 at 03:00
Decathlon CMA CGM Team has announced a major step in its long-term cycling project, confirming that it will enter the women's peloton from the 2027 season onwards. The French outfit will begin as a UCI ProTeam, the second tier of women's professional cycling, with the ambition of eventually reaching the Women's WorldTour.
The project will feature a roster of 12 riders supported by an extensive performance staff, including a sports director, coach, assistant sports directors, mechanics, doctor, physiotherapist, nutritionist, and physical and mental performance specialists.
For Decathlon Cycling Team general manager Dominique Serieys, the creation of the women's squad is a natural extension of the structure's broader vision.
"The launch of our women's team marks a decisive step in the development of our strategic project. It is fully in line with our ambition to build a major reference in cycling, driven by the diversity of talent and supported by collective ambition," Serieys said in an official statement.
Serieys also stressed that the initiative is designed to strengthen the organisation over the long term while opening new opportunities for female riders.
"This new team extends the momentum we have built and further strengthens our structure. It must allow a new generation of riders to reach the highest level and establish themselves there over the long term. It also reflects the ambition shared by our shareholder and our partners."
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Long-term investment in women's cycling
The project also received the backing of CMA CGM chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé, who described the new team as another pillar of the group's long-term sporting commitment. He explained that the objective is not only to compete at the highest level but also to contribute to the continued growth of women's cycling.
"The creation of the Decathlon CMA CGM women's team is part of the long-term ambition we share with Decathlon and all of our partners. Through this team, we want to support a new generation of riders on their path to the highest international level and contribute more broadly to the continued rise of women's cycling."
Saadé also highlighted the company's wider commitment to creating opportunities for female athletes. "This initiative reflects CMA CGM's commitment to supporting female talent by providing them with the best possible conditions to develop and build lasting success."
Decathlon CMA CGM Team during the 2026 Tour Down Under
Development model inspired by the NewGen project
NewGen development programme director Guillaume Bonnafond explained that the team aims to bridge the gap between junior development and the Women's WorldTour.
"Our women's ProTeam project is now entering the final phase of its launch. By building on the NewGen model, we want to fill the gap that currently exists between the youth categories and the WorldTour, the highest level in the sport."
The team intends to recruit talent from multiple cycling disciplines, not just road cycling. "Our philosophy is based on development and talent identification. We want to offer young athletes from road cycling, cyclo-cross and mountain biking an environment that allows them to grow."
The long-term objective, Bonnafond concluded, is already clear. "Our goal is to build a sustainable team capable of joining the Women's WorldTour in the coming years."
Félix SernaCycling Journalist
Félix Serna is a writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2025. He covers professional cycling across both the men’s and women’s calendars, with a focus on UCI rankings, race developments, and rider performance. His work includes interview-based reports, liveblogs, and tournament coverage designed to provide clear, accurate context throughout the season.
In his reporting, Félix regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical reference. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.
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