The decision by St Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93 to shutter its men's squad and commit entirely to women’s cycling in 2027 marks a seismic shift in the world of professional cycling. This move, announced in a press release that read like a manifesto, isn’t just about reorganizing a team—it’s a declaration that the sport’s future lies in redefining what ‘professional’ means. As the French team’s CEO, Stephan Gaudry, put it, 'We’re closing a chapter spanning several decades, during which we competed in the world’s greatest races...' But what does this mean for the broader ecosystem of cycling? Let’s unpack the implications, the motivations, and the questions this decision raises.
A Decade of Ambition, A New Era of Focus
The men’s team, once a pillar of French cycling, has been sidelined since 2001. Its legacy—winning stages of the Tour de France, wearing the French national jersey—has been preserved in stories and memories. Yet, in 2027, the team will vanish, leaving behind a legacy that’s now a footnote. This isn’t a simple pivot; it’s a recalibration. The women’s team, currently a UCI Women’s ProTeam, has already made strides by signing Alison Jackson, a Canadian champion who’ll lead the squad in 2026. But the real transformation comes with the team’s new status as a full-fledged professional entity, backed by Premier Tech and a commitment to reorganizing the club’s amateur structure around development, education, and transmission.
Why Now? The Economics and the Politics of Power
The timing feels inevitable. Women’s cycling has exploded in visibility, with the Women’s Tour de France now a major event, and teams like the French squad vying for spots in the UCI ProTour. However, the financial landscape is brutal. With increasing budgets, teams must spend more to stay competitive. The men’s squad, once a modest force, now struggles to keep up. By focusing all resources on women’s cycling, St Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93 is betting on the future of the sport. But this isn’t just about money—it’s about control. The team’s CEO, Gaudry, admits he’s deeply attached to the club’s history, but he also acknowledges the need to evolve. 'We’re not just making a decision; we’re redefining the club’s role in the sport,' he says.
A Broader Trend: The Fight for Equality in Cycling
This move reflects a larger battle within cycling—between traditional power structures and the push for gender equality. Historically, women’s cycling has been marginalized, with teams like the French squad often seen as outliers. But today, the women’s tour is a cultural phenomenon, and teams are increasingly recognized for their contributions. The French decision to prioritize women’s cycling isn’t just about competitiveness; it’s about reasserting the sport’s values. Yet, critics argue that this shift risks sidelining the men’s team, which has long been a symbol of French cycling’s excellence. 'It’s a double-edged sword,' says Matilda, an NCTJ-qualified journalist who’s covered women’s cycling for years. 'On one hand, it’s a step forward. On the other, it’s a gamble that could leave the men’s team behind.'
What Many People Don’t Realize
One thing that immediately stands out is the irony of the decision: a team that once dominated the world’s greatest races now pivoting to support a sport that’s become the heartbeat of modern cycling. The men’s squad’s absence is a reminder of how quickly the sport has changed. But beyond the numbers, this shift raises questions about the role of tradition versus innovation. Will the men’s team eventually return? Or will it become a relic of the past? For now, the answer remains uncertain, but the stakes are high.
The Future of Professional Cycling: A New Frontier
As the women’s team embarks on its journey, the question looms: What does this mean for the broader landscape of professional cycling? Will the UCI Women’s ProTeam become a beacon of success, or will it face the same challenges as its male counterparts? The French decision is a microcosm of a bigger trend—how cycling is evolving to meet the demands of a new generation. It’s a testament to the resilience of the sport, but also a warning that the old ways may not survive the next era.
In my opinion, this move is a bold stroke, one that highlights the tension between legacy and progress. It’s a reminder that progress in sports is rarely linear, and that the most transformative decisions often come from those who are willing to embrace change. As the French team moves forward, they’ll be watching not just the race, but the future of cycling itself.
