Groupe FDJ and the French Cycling Federation (FFC) have joined forces to launch the first edition of its ‘Coupe de France Elite Femmes’ pro-cycling competition.
The French national lottery operator becomes the ‘title partner’ of the event which aims to promote French women’s cycling, offering participants a “new field of expression and performance”.
Starting on April 17 with the Women’s Grand Prix of Chambery, there will be eight rounds, each of which will take place over one day, culminating in the Women’s International Grand Prix of Isbergues-Pas de Calais on September 18.
The competition is open to all member teams of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), whether domestic or international. French N1 teams will also be invited to participate, enabling young national talents to compete and develop alongside experienced riders.
Michel Callot, President of the French Cycling Federation, commented: “The launch of this new Coupe de France Elite Women FDJ demonstrates not only the dynamic that surrounds women’s cycling on our territory, but also the commitment and voluntarism of the French Federation de Cyclisme to develop and promote women’s cycling.”
FDJ is already an official partner of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the French Olympic and Paralympic teams. Its new competition will also serve as a preparatory step for these athletes, with the Tour de Frances Femmes – global cycling’s most prestigious event – beginning on July 24.
FDJ further serves as the principal sponsor of the UCI pro-tour winning Nouvelle-Aquitaine – Futuroscope cycling team.
Stéphane Pallez, Chairman and CEO of FDJ Groupe, added: “2022 will be the year of women’s cycling, of which FDJ is one of the main players in its expansion on national territory.
“Like our support for the FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine – Futuroscope team, this partnership with the French Cycling Federation illustrates our commitment to the development of high-level women’s sport. It also brings new proof of our determination to contribute to the emergence of new talents and to highlight these athletes who make tricolour cycling shine.”
Earlier this month, FDJ pledged its commitment to #JamaisSansElles, a French business directive aimed at promoting gender diversity across all workplaces.