Ma Petite Entreprise, the new French cycling project aiming for ProTeam status in 2026, has announced its first rider signing with Océane Mahé joining the team after two seasons at Arkéa.
Mahé, 21, was French under-23 road race champion in 2023 and time trial champion in 2024, marking her out as one of the country’s most promising young riders. Her arrival gives shape to the ambitious new project led by Vincent Lavenu and supported by a network of French small and medium-sized businesses.
The team, which describes itself as “the cycling team of French entrepreneurs,” is built around an unusual funding model that relies on contributions from hundreds of small companies rather than a single title sponsor. Its founders, Emeric Ducruet and Olivier Pizzo, have worked with Lavenu to create a sustainable economic structure that they hope will secure UCI ProTeam registration for 2026.
Lavenu, who joined the project after leaving Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, has said the team’s immediate focus is on launching a 12-rider women’s squad before later expanding to include a men’s setup. Based in Chambéry, the project combines sporting goals with an educational and development mission, aiming to offer riders career training and professional support alongside racing opportunities.
Mahé’s signing represents the first concrete step toward that goal. The project’s wider vision is to build a team that reflects the values of entrepreneurship and regional identity while giving young French riders a platform to progress at the highest level.
If successful in obtaining ProTeam status, Ma Petite Entreprise would be eligible to compete in major international races, including potential wildcard invitations to the Tour de France Femmes.
With the UCI application deadline for 2026 approaching, the team continues to court sponsors and investors. Lavenu has described the process as demanding but promising, noting that discussions with small and medium-sized backers are advancing and that one or two major commitments could allow the project to move forward rapidly.
Mahé’s arrival is expected to be the first of several announcements as the team builds towards its debut season.
