Decathlon CMA CGM have agreed new contracts with Tord Gudmestad, Stefan Bissegger and Callum Scotson, retaining three of their established support riders as the French WorldTour squad prepares for 2027. Norwegian rider Gudmestad has signed through the end of 2029, while Switzerland’s Bissegger and Australian Scotson will remain until the end of 2028.
The renewals come during a busy period of recruitment for Decathlon, but the team’s decision to retain all three reflects the importance of the riders who work behind its leaders. Gudmestad has become a regular part of its sprint organisation, Bissegger combines time-trial strength with opportunities in the cobbled Classics, and Scotson is an experienced Grand Tour domestique.
Romain Bardet, who will take up a sports management role with the team, described the trio as a foundation for its progress. He argued that strengthening a squad was not simply a matter of bringing in new names, pointing to the demanding work carried out by riders whose contributions are often less visible than a stage victory or podium finish.
Tord Gudmestad signs longest deal through 2029
Gudmestad, 25, joined the French squad for the 2025 season after racing for Uno-X Mobility. He arrived with considerable experience in Norwegian racing and quickly became involved in the team’s approach to flat stages and bunch finishes. His latest extension gives him another three seasons within a sprint group that has been substantially reinforced over the past year.
The arrival of Olav Kooij for 2026 gave Decathlon a proven WorldTour sprinter, alongside options such as Tobias Lund Andresen and Cees Bol. Their chances depend on having riders willing to work well before the final kilometre, controlling the approach to narrow roads, responding to late attacks and delivering a sprinter into the right position.
Gudmestad has grown into precisely that sort of role. He was part of the team’s line-up at the 2026 Giro d’Italia and has raced a broad programme of one-day races and stage races. His value cannot be measured solely by the positions he takes at the finish, particularly on days when his own effort ends after helping a faster team-mate into contention.
The Norwegian said he was pleased with his development since joining and valued the opportunity to work with the team’s sprinters. He also highlighted the equipment provided through Decathlon and Van Rysel, which he considers particularly relevant when the pace rises towards the end of a stage.
Stefan Bissegger keeps Paris-Roubaix in his sights
Bissegger’s renewal follows two strong appearances at Paris-Roubaix, where he finished seventh in 2025 and eighth in 2026. The Swiss rider has developed into an important Classics option for Decathlon, combining the power of a specialist time-triallist with the ability to remain competitive deep into long, exposed races.
At this year’s Paris-Roubaix he rode near the front through the key cobbled sectors and was still in contention for a high placing in the closing stages. The race was won from a select group of specialists, but Bissegger’s eighth place showed that Decathlon had a rider capable of remaining in the contest when positioning and repeated high-intensity efforts mattered most.
That was not an isolated result. His previous seventh place in Roubaix and a sixth at Paris–Tours in 2025 showed his growing interest in one-day racing. He also remains valuable against the clock and in stage races, having won the European time-trial title in 2022 before joining Decathlon for 2025.
Bissegger said he was excited about the team’s progress and the higher ambitions made possible by new riders joining the squad. Paris-Roubaix remains a particular target. His new deal gives him two more seasons to pursue a major result there while continuing to contribute to the team’s broader race programme.
Callum Scotson retained for Grand Tour support
Scotson, 30, arrived at Decathlon in 2025 after six seasons with the Australian GreenEDGE organisation. His strongest qualities are most obvious over the course of a three-week race, where experienced team-mates are needed to manage difficult transitions, protect leaders on exposed roads and work before the final selection on climbs.
The Australian rode the 2026 Giro d’Italia with the French squad, which was built around general classification ambitions and a competitive sprint group. His role covered the work that can determine whether a team leader reaches the decisive part of a stage without having wasted energy earlier in the day.
Scotson said he felt comfortable in the organisation and hoped to continue contributing at the Grand Tours. He also wants to improve his performances in major one-day events and Monuments, where his endurance and experience can offer additional options for the team.
The new agreement keeps him at Decathlon through 2028. It provides continuity in a part of the squad where familiarity between riders can be as important as individual climbing or sprinting results, especially during complicated stages when decisions must be made quickly.
Contract renewals complement Decathlon’s 2027 recruitment
The announcement follows a succession of high-profile signings for next season. Ben O’Connor is returning to Decathlon after two years with Jayco AlUla, while Pavel Sivakov will arrive from UAE Team Emirates XRG on a contract through 2029.
The team has also recruited Laurens De Plus from Netcompany INEOS, bringing further experience of supporting Grand Tour leaders. At the same time, Felix Gall and Gregor Mühlberger are leaving for Lidl-Trek, meaning the team will look different when the 2027 season begins.
Decathlon are building a deeper group of climbers around their leading stage racers, including the rapidly developing Paul Seixas. But that work would be undermined without reliable support on flatter terrain and in the Classics. Bissegger, Gudmestad and Scotson have established relationships within the team and different responsibilities across its racing calendar.
There is a practical distinction between recruiting riders capable of winning major races and retaining the riders who create opportunities for them. Bardet made that point in announcing the agreements, with Decathlon choosing to secure the services of the three established team-mates as part of the same wider rebuild.
Gudmestad will remain through 2029 and Bissegger and Scotson through 2028. Their renewals give Decathlon continuity across sprint finishes, the northern Classics and Grand Tours, three areas of racing where a stronger supporting cast will be essential to making the most of the team’s ambitious recruitment.
