Cycling. Road – Emmanuel Hubert: “We are getting poorer… This model is no longer viable”

This is THE topic of the moment: French cycling is dangerous! As explained Stéphane Heulot (general manager of Lotto Dstny), Anthony Ravard (general manager of CIC U Nantes Atlantique) or Cyrille Guimard (former runner, manager and coach) at our microphone, the amateur world in France is in great difficulty. Emmanuel Hubertgeneral training manager Arkéa-B&B Hotelsalso made this observation, adding that his WorldTour team is also facing major challenges.

Video – Stéphane Heulot spoke at length on this subject

“This model is no longer viable…”

“My team style is in danger”worries Emmanuel Hubertquestioned by our colleagues from West France. “150 employees would be put at risk if a partner were to leave. Because I have no visibility beyond December 31, 2025 (end of the 3-year cycle, where Arkéa-B&B Hotels risks being relegated to the 2nd division, editor’s note). We bet on having a structure with World Tour pros, a development team and a women’s team. We play the game. Sport creates a wonderful bond in society, we saw it again during the Olympics, but we need support.”

French teams suffer from competition with their foreign counterparts, adopting the self-employed worker regime, according to Hubert. “This model is no longer viable. In less than five years, 60% of French teams will have disappeared”estimates the manager ofArkéa-B&B Hotelswho dreams of a tax exemption to try to fight on equal terms. “What is happening in the amateur world will concern the professional world very quickly. We are impacted on a global level. We are getting poorer from our base. The pro world should help the base more. But how can we do more when Are we strangled?”