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The Grand Départ 2026

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Photo credits: Le Grand Départ

The event in a few words

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 💙.

5 reasons to join this race

Work out with the champions 🚴‍♀️
Social Ride of 25, 45 or 60 km, Gravel Ride or 5 km Social Run: Share a sporting moment alongside the athletes of FDJ UNITED-SUEZ, whatever your level 💪.
Discover the brands and their products 🎪
Explore the Fanzone, discover the world of the team's partners and enjoy the activities offered throughout the afternoon. A chance to discover new products and, depending on the activations offered, to try them out 🧪.
Meet the riders ✍️
Get close to the champions during the autograph sessions, chat with them and go home with a souvenir of this day. A chance to meet Demi Vollering, Juliette Berthet and Evita Muzic, subject to their confirmed attendance 🌟.
Feel the energy of the big show ✨
Attend the official presentation of the 2027 team at the Arena Futuroscope and discover the riders who will wear the colors of FDJ UNITED-SUEZ on international roads next season 🌍.
Go behind the scenes with the team 🔍
Discover the vehicles, the equipment and the staff's daily life, explore the official shop and dive into the world of FDJ UNITED-SUEZ beyond the races 🏁.

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."

A distance for every taste

60 km : FULL EXPERIENCE - SOCIAL RIDE 60 KM

Road CyclingThe most popular
  • Saturday, December 19, 2026
  • 60 km

A few more words

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 🧤.

GPX

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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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Le Grand Départ
Le Grand Départ
Le Grand Départ