The transfer of Demi Vollering to FDJ-SUEZ has been a game-changer for the team, and it's bringing in major partners who are eager to align themselves with the Dutch star. Following the announcement of Specialized in early December, FDJ-Suez now welcomes Nike as a new sponsor. The American sportswear giant has an established relationship with Vollering, making the move a natural fit.
In a video from Specialized, the FDJ-SUEZ riders can be seen visiting the United States, where Vollering joined them. Team-building activities in Los Angeles came with a surprise: the riders were gifted personalized baseball jackets and new Specialized bikes. Vollering's high-profile transfer (after all, she came in second in the Tour de France Femmes) undoubtedly influenced the team's switch to Specialized, the same brand SD Worx-Protime used in recent years. Meanwhile, SD Worx reportedly retains its ongoing contract with the brand until 2028.
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At the beginning of January, Nike joined as a "lifestyle partner." FDJ-Suez described the deal as an "exclusive partnership," with Nike providing the team’s casual apparel starting this season. FDJ-Suez proudly announced in its press release that it is the only team sponsored by Nike. In the past, Nike did already sponsor teams such as Lance Armstrong’s US Postal.
"This is a unique opportunity for the team," said Stephen Delcourt, general manager of FDJ-Suez. "Collaborating with such an iconic brand will only strengthen our identity. We look forward to a long-term partnership where we can complement each other both on and off the bike."
It is clear that FDJ-SUEZ has undergone quite the transformation. With Vollering, the team has taken the biggest step toward becoming one of the top teams in women’s cycling. In addition to the Dutch rider, Ally Wollaston, Elise Chabbey, and Juliette Labous have also joined the team. Wollaston, coming from AG Insurance - Soudal Team, will take on the role of lead sprinter, while Swiss rider Chabbey and French rider Labous will provide strong support for Vollering. Chabbey finished second in the 2021 Vuelta, while Labous took fifth place in last year’s Tour de France.