'The successes of yesterday seem completely unattainable without profound transformation' – Historic French team to close men's squad to go all-in on women's cycling

St Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93, a historic French cycling team, has announced it will disband its men’s squad at the end of the 2026 season to concentrate exclusively on its women’s ProTeam from 2027 onwards. The men’s team, which has roots dating back several decades and turned professional in 1994, enjoyed notable success in the late 20th century, including participation in the Tour de France and producing riders such as Tony Gallopin. However, in recent years, the men’s squad has competed at the Continental level, without Tour de France invitations since 2001, signalling a shift in the club’s competitive standing. The women’s team, established more recently in 2020 and elevated to professional status in 2022, has rapidly gained prominence, stepping up to UCI Women’s ProTeam level this year. Their consistent presence at the Tour de France Femmes since its inception, alongside high-profile signings like Canadian champion Alison Jackson, reflects the team’s growing ambitions. The club’s decision to focus resources on the women’s team aligns with the expanding opportunities and increasing financial demands within women’s cycling, particularly in France, where the sport is gaining greater visibility and investment. Club CEO Stephan Gaudry acknowledged the significance of this transformation, emphasising the need to adapt to the evolving professional cycling landscape. He reflected on the men’s team’s rich history, including stage wins and national titles, while underlining that the future lies in developing the women’s squad as the club’s flagship project. Gaudry also reassured that the club’s amateur and developmental structures will continue, with a renewed focus on nurturing talent and education alongside the professional women’s team. This strategic pivot by St Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93 highlights broader trends in the cycling world, where women’s racing is attracting more sponsorship and media attention, prompting traditional teams to reconsider their priorities. By consolidating efforts behind their women’s team, the club aims to remain competitive and sustainable amid rising standards and costs. The move may serve as a model for other longstanding outfits navigating the shifting dynamics of professional cycling in the 21st century.