Komugi-Grand Est has confirmed it will not compete in the 2025 season, citing financial issues that have forced its holding company, PLC Cycling, into liquidation. The team pointed to the failure of its title sponsor, the IT company Komugi, to meet financial obligations from the previous season, leading to the decision to wind down operations.
Despite the crisis, management ensured that all riders were able to complete the 2024 campaign, including strong performances at the Tour de l’Ardèche and the GP Gatineau in September. Salaries for riders and staff were covered through August and September before the legal liquidation process began.
The team is considering legal action to recover unpaid sponsorship funds. “The team reserves the right to take the necessary legal action to recover the partnership payments owed by its main sponsor.,” it stated in its release.
Despite the setback, Komugi-Grand Est remains focused on a return in 2026. Several sponsors, including Bollé, Flunch, Hutchinson, and Fromagerie Dongé, have pledged ongoing support. Discussions are underway with potential new backers who can provide “sufficient financial capacity and values that are, this time, appropriate to ensure the team’s future.”
Team management said that lessons had been learned from the challenges faced, adding that their goal is to come back stronger. “The team has learned a lot during this difficult period, and we now want to use this experience to come back stronger… 2025 will be the year in which we rise from our ashes.”
Plans for the new team include maintaining continuity with the previous setup but bringing in highly competitive riders to target ProTeam status in 2026. “This new team will follow the same principles as the first but with the aim of recruiting highly competitive riders… to achieve ProTeam status by 2026 and, above all, to maximise visibility for new sponsors.”
With growing investment in women’s racing, the team aims to attract high-profile commercial partners invested in developing the sport. “We are looking for major women’s brands that, like us, have principles for promoting women in sport to join us.”
