Imagine being a world-class athlete, consistently delivering podium finishes, yet facing the uncertainty of not having a team for the upcoming season. This is the reality for Amandine Fouquenet, the French cyclocross champion, whose stellar performance at the Namur World Cup has sent a clear message to potential sponsors: she’s a force to be reckoned with. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite her undeniable talent and recent third-place finish, Fouquenet remains without a contract for 2026, raising questions about the challenges women face in securing sponsorships in professional cycling.
Fouquenet’s (Arkéa - B&B Hotels Women) bronze medal in Namur wasn’t just another podium; it was a bold statement to road and cyclo-cross teams. Earlier this season, she secured a second-place finish at the Flamanville World Cup, proving her consistency on the international stage. Yet, the collapse of her current team due to sponsorship issues has left her future in limbo. At just 24, Fouquenet’s performance in Namur, where she finished a mere minute behind the winner and outpaced Puck Pieterse (Fenix – Deceuninck), showcased her resilience and skill.
“It was a strong start, but I might have pushed too hard initially,” Fouquenet reflected. “I had to recover, and Aniek [Van Alphen] and Lucinda [Brand] were unstoppable. Still, I’m thrilled with third place. This is my best season yet, with two World Cup podiums.” Brand herself praised Fouquenet’s performance, noting, “She always starts incredibly strong. Her ride was amazing—I didn’t see it coming, and it’s fantastic for her.”
Fouquenet’s ‘cross season began with a third-place finish in the Superprestige at Ruddervoorde and a fifth-place at the European Championships in Middelkerke. Yet, despite her achievements, her coach Léonard Cosnier revealed to Le Telegramme that a potential team deal fell through. “It’s astonishing that a rider of her caliber hasn’t secured a team by now,” Cosnier said. “If she signs soon, I’m confident she’ll thrive.”
Her road campaign with Arkéa - B&B Hotels Women this year mirrored the versatility of a traditional cyclocross rider, including strong performances in the Spring Classics and a 16th-place finish in the Morbihan Classic in France. Fouquenet has yet to finish outside the top 10 this ‘cross season, with four podiums, including a dominant win at the Coupe de France series in Quelneuc.
In an earlier interview with Direct Velo, Fouquenet shared her mindset: “I’ve avoided slumps, and I hope to keep it that way. I’m doing everything I can to maximize my chances, but it’s tough not having a team for next year. Mentally, it’s challenging, but physically, I’m ready to prove I’m a fighter.” She expressed gratitude to Arkéa for their support and her partners Legendre and M’Gys, but her focus remains on securing a cross and road team for 2026.
“Turning 25 next year feels like a turning point,” she added. “I’ve always aimed to perform well, but this year, I’ve taken a mental leap. I’m meticulous about nutrition, sleep, and recovery. In the past, I didn’t focus much on technical training, but this season, I’ve worked on minimizing small errors that cost me in the end. In cyclocross, conserving energy for the final lap can make all the difference.”
And this is the part most people miss—despite her strategic improvements and undeniable results, Fouquenet faces an uphill battle in a sport where budgets are tight and teams are nearly full. “I’m not giving up,” she declared. “I hope the phone will ring.”
Her story raises a thought-provoking question: Why do athletes like Fouquenet, with proven talent and results, struggle to secure sponsorships? Is it a reflection of broader challenges in women’s cycling, or a symptom of the sport’s financial constraints? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about the future of professional cycling and the athletes who deserve to shine.
