After almost 30 years in charge of the Groupama-FDJ team, Marc Madiot is set to step aside as the French squad’s team manager in April 2026. Madiot, who created the team in 1997, will be succeeded by his deputy, Thierry Cornec, who has been with the team since 2024.
According to a report in L’Equipe, Madiot will take a more hands-off role, dealing with partners and guiding the team’s culture.
“It was time to recharge, open new doors, and move forward. I’ll be 67 in April. I think it’s time to look to the future. Now is the time,” Madiot told L’Equipe.
“Thierry is taking over all the sporting aspects and becoming the team’s general manager. My ambition is for the team to outlive me. If I can lend a hand in areas other than the sporting side, that suits me just fine. The team is my second child. I love it, I still want to cherish it, but I know it’s now in its majority, that it needs to spread its wings.”
Madiot started the team as La Française des Jeux in 1997, tasting success immediately, Christophe Mengin taking a stage of the Tour de France and Frédéric Guesdon winning Paris-Roubaix, the last time a home rider won the Hell of the North.
“When I signed Philippe Gilbert I got in my car, went to Belgium, talked to the kid and his parents, and came back with a signed contract. Lately, I’ve had contact with juniors who told me, ‘Talk to my agent, sir.’ It’s a different ball game altogether.”
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