FDJ-Suez boss: Cycling's 'economic situation is very bad'
FDJ-Suez team boss Stephen Delcourt touched on a variety of topics in an interview with Cyclism'Actu earlier this week, giving his assessment of his team's 2025 campaign and also of the wider picture in cycling generally.
"For the 2025 Tour, we had built a team around Demi Vollering, but we were beaten by a stronger team," he said. "Pauline [Ferrand-Prévot] is the most complete cyclist of all time. Afterwards, we have to work hard, analyze her weaknesses and prepare: maybe she won't be at the same level next year, but we will have to be at our best to claim victory in 2026."
They will attempt to do that under the limitations of a slightly smaller squad, whose roster is dropping down from 18 to 16 riders in what Delcourt describes as a tough climate for bike racing teams.
"We have a very solid group," Delcourt said. "But I also have to say: The economic situation is very bad. I've never had such easy agreements with new potential sponsors these days, but then securing them for us has never been so difficult. We have an economic crisis that means sponsorship isn't a priority for companies, and we understand that." [Cyclism'Actu]
