In 2026 Cofidis launched a digital personal‑loan product, hired France’s first full‑time mental‑performance coach for its WorldTour squad, kept its women’s roster stable, expanded recruitment across finance and sport, and responded to a serious training accident, positioning the brand as a new model of sports‑corporate integration in French cycling.
Digital Personal Loan Tailored for Riders
Earlier this month Cofidis introduced an online‑first personal loan offering that promises a “credit that adapts to your wishes.” Applicants complete a fully digital request and receive a customized offer within minutes. By aligning a consumer‑finance product with the high‑visibility world of professional cycling, Cofidis aims to attract riders and fans who value both financial flexibility and athletic ambition.
First Full‑Time Mental‑Performance Coach in French Cycling
Cofidis became the first French WorldTour team to appoint a dedicated mental‑performance coach. Former national track and road cyclist Solange “Soline” Lamboley, who retired in 2022, now leads the new mental‑preparation department. Her experience includes World Cup podiums and deep insight into the psychological pressures elite cyclists face.
Impact on Grand Tour Preparation
Lamboley explains that “the difference between a win and a near‑miss often lies in the mind.” Riders now have a specialist to help manage pressure, recover from setbacks, and sustain mental stamina throughout three‑week Grand Tours. This shift marks a cultural change in French cycling, where mental coaching has traditionally been secondary to physical training.
Stability of the Cofidis Women’s Team
The Cofidis Women’s Team announced it will retain its 15‑rider roster for the 2026 season, mirroring the 2025 lineup. In an environment of funding shortfalls and sponsorship volatility, maintaining a stable squad sends a clear message of confidence in the athletes and the future of women’s cycling. Continuity allows riders to focus on development and race tactics rather than contract negotiations.
Recruitment Drive Across Finance and Sport
Coordinated with the loan launch, Cofidis rolled out a recruitment campaign highlighting opportunities in customer contact, marketing, statistics, finance, operations, management, and human resources. The company seeks talent that blends financial expertise with a passion for sport, creating a synergistic environment where credit‑risk analysis meets race‑planning strategy.
Safety Concerns After Training Accident
On 15 January 2026, 19‑year‑old Camille Charret, a promising member of the Cofidis development program, was struck by a vehicle while training on public roads in Bourges. Charret suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized. The incident reignited calls for stricter traffic laws, dedicated cycling lanes, and mandatory driver education to protect cyclists. Cofidis expressed deep sorrow, pledged support for Charret’s recovery, and reaffirmed its commitment to enhanced safety protocols.
Strategic Implications for Sports‑Corporate Integration
Collectively, these initiatives illustrate Cofidis’ multi‑pronged strategy: the loan product expands revenue while serving as a recruitment funnel; the mental‑performance coach could set a precedent for other French teams; roster stability may translate into stronger results on the UCI calendar; and the recruitment drive positions Cofidis as a hybrid organization where finance and sport inform each other. The tragic accident underscores the ongoing priority of rider safety, potentially driving stronger collaboration between teams, governing bodies, and local authorities.
Observers will watch whether Cofidis’ blend of financial services, mental‑performance expertise, and commitment to its women’s program converts into podium finishes and a healthier bottom line. One thing is clear: Cofidis is evolving from a lender to a pivotal player in the future of French cycling.
