End of a dynasty? "AG2R La Mondiale to exit cycling - French team finds massive new sponsor"

The sponsor, AG2R La Mondiale, will withdraw from the sport in 2026, reports the French outlet. The insurance company has been tied to the team for nearly 30 years: in 1998, the squad entered the scene as Casino–AG2R, featuring riders like Jaan Kirsipuu, Rolf Järmann, Jacky Durand, and Alexandre Vinokourov. Two years later, AG2R became the sole title sponsor.

The company held that role for an incredible 21 seasons. In that time, the team racked up 22 Tour de France stage wins and claimed three overall podium finishes with Romain Bardet and Jean-Christophe Péraud. More recently, Ben O’Connor finished second in the 2023 Vuelta a España. But now, AG2R La Mondiale is set to leave the sport, marking the end of a true dynasty. The team itself will continue, however, as it has reportedly found a new, and surprising, sponsor to take over.

According to Le Télégramme, L’Oréal is set to enter the world of cycling. The cosmetics giant is reportedly taking over the role of AG2R as the team’s major backer. Originally French and headquartered in Clichy, just outside Paris, L’Oréal’s involvement would allow the team to maintain its French identity. Decathlon will also remain onboard. The French outlet adds that L’Oréal is bringing a significant financial boost, allowing the team’s ambitions to grow accordingly. Whether Decathlon or L’Oréal will become the primary title sponsor remains to be seen.

The team has already been making headlines due to a flurry of transfer rumors. Olav Kooij is expected to make the move from Visma | Lease a Bike. The Dutch sprinter recently won two stages in the Giro d’Italia but hasn't been given the space to fully develop. Tiesj Benoot also appears likely to follow him, and Daan Hoole, fresh off a Giro stage win, may be joining to bolster the sprint train. Another name mentioned as a potential signing is Matthew Riccitello from Israel–Premier Tech.