FDJ vs. Decathlon: Two Teams Fighting to Be the Heart of French Cycling

Every summer, the Tour de France brings millions of fans out to the roads of France. This year, two French cycling teams — Groupama-FDJ and Decathlon CMA CGM — are fighting for something bigger than a race trophy. They both want to be known as the team that represents all of France. It is a battle of old tradition against new ambition, and fans across the country are picking sides.

On one mountain stage deep in the Pyrenees, young fans ran alongside the riders wearing Decathlon jerseys. They were chasing 19-year-old star Paul Seixas, one of the most exciting young cyclists in the world. Dozens of other fans lined the road in Decathlon gear, showing how quickly the team had won over hearts in that part of France. Far from their home base in the Alps, Decathlon had made a big impression.

Just four days later, the scene was very different. In the town of Périgueux, it was the red, white, and blue Groupama-FDJ bus that drew a big crowd. When national champion Romain Gregoire stepped off the bus, fans began chanting 'F-D-J!' The 23-year-old came out to sign jerseys for the crowd, showing how much fans still love this historic team.

Groupama-FDJ has been part of French cycling for 30 years. The team is sponsored by France's national lottery, which makes it feel like a truly national team to many people. For years, FDJ stood for the bold, never-give-up spirit of French cycling. Riders like Frédéric Guesdon and Jacky Durand were known for their attacking style that fans loved.

The team's most beloved rider in recent times was Thibaut Pinot. He was a shy, rural climber who wore his heart on his sleeve — and French fans loved him for it. He won stages on famous mountains like Alpe d'Huez and the Col du Tourmalet. When Pinot retired three years ago, FDJ struggled to find someone who could fill his shoes.

Today, FDJ sits near the bottom of the WorldTour rankings and has won just one top-level race all season. Team official Thierry Cornec admits the team needs to grow. 'We are clear and realistic about the future,' he said. 'All the other teams have really raised their level on the sporting side and the business side.'

One big challenge for FDJ is signing top French riders, partly because France's tax laws make it hard to offer high salaries. Of France's 20 highest-ranked riders, only two ride for FDJ. Stars like Paul Seixas and Kevin Vauquelin all ride for rival teams. Even so, FDJ is proud that 23 of its 29 riders are French, which Cornec says is 'part of our DNA.'

Decathlon CMA CGM is taking a very different path. Backed by one of the biggest sporting goods companies in the world, the team has built a more international squad with riders from ten different countries. Only eight of their 28 riders are French today, compared to 21 out of 30 just ten years ago. More money and a global brand have completely changed the team's direction.

But Decathlon's biggest asset is Paul Seixas. The 19-year-old is already being called one of cycling's future superstars, and France has not had a Tour de France winner since 1985. Decathlon hands out hats and flags at race finishes, and Seixas jerseys are sold in stores worldwide. Many believe he is the key to everything the team is trying to build.

The biggest question hanging over Decathlon is whether Seixas will stay. His contract runs out in 2027, and top teams around the world are trying to sign him. If he leaves, the team's dream of becoming France's favourite could fall apart. Both teams are really asking the same question — what does it mean to be a French cycling team today?