Tensions around team sponsorships are intensifying in the WorldTour. Lotto Dstny secured a last-minute deal to stay afloat for the Tour de France, but its future beyond 2025 remains uncertain. Arkea-B&B Hotels faces a steeper drop, with both main sponsors withdrawing, and the team needing new backers urgently by 2026.
The Tour de France start list has taken more hits. Tao Geoghegan Hart (Lidl-Trek) and David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) have withdrawn, as both were unable to regain their race form in time. Benoît Cosnefroy also remains sidelined, further thinning the French hopes at their home Grand Tour.
Meanwhile, Nike is quietly stepping back into cycling—but not with racing kits. The brand has inked lifestyle apparel deals with Visma | Lease a Bike and FDJ-SUEZ, marking its return through off-bike fashion.
