French climber Juliette Labous is set to leave DSM-Firmenich PostNL to join FDJ-Suez, marking a significant move in her career after eight years with the Dutch team. Labous, who is 25, will begin her tenure with FDJ-Suez in 2025, joining 18-year-old talent Célia Gery. The new contract will see her with the French squad until 2027.
Labous, known for her consistent climbing ability and strong time trial performances, recently placed fourth in the Paris Olympics ITT. She has achieved top-five finishes in the Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia Women, and Vuelta Femenina over the past three seasons. Additionally, she will bring the French national champion’s jersey to FDJ-Suez in 2024, having secured the title for the second time in June.
Juliette Labous expressed her enthusiasm about the new chapter in her career, saying, “I am very happy and proud to join the team in 2025. FDJ-Suez is a team in constant progression that will be able to offer me the best possible environment to aim for the highest performances. I will be keen to make the team shine by bringing the experience of my first eight professional years. I am looking forward to starting this new adventure that will open a new chapter in my career.”
Team Manager Stephen Delcourt praised the new signing, stating, “It is with immense pride and pleasure that we welcome Juliette into the FDJ-Suez family. French champion and top five in the last two Tours de France, Juliette is a remarkable athlete and, undeniably, one of the best climbers in the professional peloton. We are also honoured by the confidence that Juliette places in our project and our vision. Her arrival is one more step towards the realisation of our sporting ambitions.”
The addition of Labous means FDJ-Suez will have the two highest-ranked French riders, with Labous joining fellow climber Evita Muzic, who notably beat Demi Vollering in an uphill finish in recent years.
While FDJ-Suez is celebrating the acquisition of Labous, there are also rumours about defending Tour de France Femmes champion Demi Vollering potentially joining the team. However, no official movements have been made since the transfer window opened on August 1.
