Come and discover the FDJ UNITED-SUEZ team on Saturday, December 19, 2026 at the Arena Futuroscope 🚴♀️.
The Grand Départ is a day open to everyone, combining sport, encounters and activities. A chance to discover the team and share a special moment with those who bring cycling to life at the highest level ✨.
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Ride and run with the athletes
Enjoy the morning riding or running alongside the athletes of FDJ UNITED-SUEZ. Several formats await you: a "Social Ride" of 25, 45 or 60 km, a "Gravel Ride" of 40 km (our new addition for 2026 🆕) or a "Social Run" of 5 km 🏃♀️. Share the road with Demi VOLLERING, Juliette BERTHET, Evita MUZIC or Franziska KOCH, in a secure setting and without timing 🤝.
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch break
Refuel at the FDJ UNITED-SUEZ partner stands, set up in the hall of the Arena Futuroscope 🥪.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Fanzone
The floor of the Arena Futuroscope opens its doors so you can discover the FDJ UNITED-SUEZ Fanzone. Meet the athletes and staff members, browse the partner stands and enjoy the many activities throughout the afternoon 🎈. On the program: autograph sessions ✍️, the team's official shop and sports challenges 💪.
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Presentation show
Close the day with the presentation show of the FDJ UNITED-SUEZ team, which kicks off the 2027 season. Discover the roster, goals and ambitions of the team for the season ahead 🚀.
Whether you're a cycling enthusiast, a running fan or simply curious to discover the world of a professional cycling team, the Grand Départ FDJ UNITED-SUEZ invites you to an immersive day at the heart of the team 💙.
A word from the organizer:
"The Grand Départ FDJ UNITED-SUEZ returns on Saturday, December 19, 2026 at the Arena Futuroscope, in Poitiers, to officially launch the team's 2027 season. On the program for the day: Social Ride and Social Run alongside the athletes, activities and experiences offered by the partners, autograph sessions, the official shop and the presentation show of the 2027 team. A unique opportunity to spend a day alongside the best athletes in the world peloton."
The longest loop of the "Social Ride" starts from the Arena Futuroscope site and takes in a big tour of the Poitiers countryside 🌾. Few urban areas, lots of small roads: in December, gloves and a warm layer are a must for the duration 🧤.
The intermediate loop of the “Social Ride” starts from the Arena Futuroscope site and winds along the small roads of the Poitou countryside 🌾. An ideal format for riding in a group at a good pace, without spending the whole morning on it 🚴.
The shortest loop of the “Social Ride” starts from the Arena Futuroscope site for a ride along the country roads of the Poitiers region 🌾. Perfect for getting back into it or for a first group outing, with a smile as a bonus 😄.
This year's new addition, which will also start from the Arena Futuroscope site, will combine small roads, white gravel paths and forest trails in the Poitiers area. In December, the trails can be wet: suitable tires and a warm layer are recommended 🧤 .
The "Social Run" starts from the Arena Futuroscope site for a 5 km road run in its surroundings 🏃. With no timing or rankings, you run at your own pace alongside the team's athletes 🤗.
Bib pick-up takes place in the hall of the Arena Futuroscope on Saturday, December 19, 2026, starting at 8:30 a.m.
All starts (Social Ride, Social Run and Social Gravel) take place in front of the Arena Futuroscope (Chasseneuil-du-Poitou) on Saturday, December 19, 2026. The exact schedule for each wave will be announced soon.
No. Since the event has no timing or competitive ranking, no medical certificate is required at registration.
The event is open to everyone:
Under 15: an accompanying adult must be present on the course.
Ages 15 to 17: participation is possible independently, with a parental authorization provided at registration.
Three options are offered:
Full Day Ride, "Social Ride", 25, 45 or 60 km and access to the Arena Futuroscope:
€20 until November 21, 2026, then €25.
The reduced rate is €18.75 for under-25s and club license holders.
Full Day Run, "Social Run", 5 km and access to the Arena Futuroscope:
€15 until November 21, 2026, then €20.
The reduced rate is €15 for under-25s and club license holders.
Access to the Arena, the presentation show and the activities, without taking part in a race:
€10 until November 21, 2026, then €15.
The reduced rate is €11.25 for under-25s.
No. The rides are completely self-supported along the route. Remember to set off with your bottles filled and your energy snacks.
To ride safely and independently:
Approved helmet required (fastened throughout the ride)
Repair kit: 2 suitable inner tubes, tire levers and a hand pump (or CO₂ cartridge)
Electric-assist bikes (e-bikes): allowed.
Tandems: allowed.
Recumbent bikes: allowed, provided they are strictly positioned at the back of the pack and have signaling equipment ensuring their visibility to cyclists and motorists
Two shared changing rooms, one for women and one for men, are set up in the Arena. You can leave your bike on site as long as it is locked; otherwise, the organizer recommends storing it in your vehicle.
The event goes ahead in case of rain or cold. In the event of extreme weather conditions, any change or cancellation decision will be communicated in advance by the organization via email and on our social media
Yes. The Arena Futuroscope parking lot is available free of charge throughout the day for participants and their companions.
Lunch is not included in the registration. A gourmet village with local food partners will be set up in the heart of the Arena hall. A dedicated area will be arranged so you can have lunch on site (meals purchased on site or brought from your bag).
If you still have questions, you can contact the organizers by email: contact@velofeminin.com
You can check the race rules here
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