The Tour de France Femmes 2026 is set to be a thrilling spectacle, and the FDJ UNITED-SUEZ team is certainly one to watch. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, this squad is poised to make waves in the race for the yellow jersey. But what makes this team truly fascinating is the diverse range of skills and personalities that come together to form a cohesive unit. Let's take a closer look at the key players and the unique dynamics that make this team so intriguing.
Demi Vollering: The Team Leader
Demi Vollering is a force to be reckoned with in the world of cycling. With a remarkable track record, including a solo win on the iconic Col du Tourmalet at the 2023 Tour de France Femmes, she is a clear overall GC contender. Her motivation is high, and with a perfect preparation period under her belt, she is ready to take on the challenge. However, the pressure is on after coming close to victory in 2024, finishing just four seconds behind the eventual winner. Vollering's consistency and quality as a rider are undeniable, and she will be a key player in the race for the yellow jersey.
Juliette Berthet: The Lieutenant
Juliette Berthet, an icon of French cycling, is a reliable and trusted domestique for Vollering. With a track record of never finishing outside the top 10 on GC, she is a valuable asset to the team. Her personal ambitions are put aside as she commits to fully supporting Vollering's quest for the yellow jersey. Berthet's best performances have come when racing with Vollering, and she is confident that their partnership will continue to thrive in the future.
Célia Gery: The Breakout Star
Célia Gery, the 2025 under-23 World Road Race Champion, is a true puncheur with attacking qualities. At just 20 years old, she is the second-youngest rider in the race, and her debut at the Tour de France Femmes is highly anticipated. Gery's ability to animate almost any stage and support Vollering's GC ambitions makes her a valuable addition to the team.
Franziska Koch: The Engine Room
Franziska Koch is a key domestique for the team, setting the pace on flats and controlling breakaways. Her power and durability are no longer a secret, and she has already made a strong impression in her first season with the team, winning Paris-Roubaix Femmes. Koch's strength and endurance make her a formidable asset to the squad.
Amber Kraak: The 'Lightweight'
Amber Kraak's journey into cycling is an unconventional one. A former world-class rower, she brings a unique perspective to the team. Her powerful engine will be put to good use on the front of the peloton, controlling breakaways and sheltering the rest of the team. Kraak's determination and work ethic make her a valuable addition to the squad.
Marie Le Net: The Team-mate
Marie Le Net is a rider who often flies under the radar, but her experience and ability to support the team's leader are invaluable. With her entire professional career spent with FDJ UNITED-SUEZ, she is a key player in the team's cohesion and collective effort. Le Net's role as a domestique and flat/rouleur support is crucial to the team's success.
Évita Muzic: The Super Domestique
Évita Muzic is one of the best climbers in the peloton, and her attacking instincts make her a genuine mountain weapon. With stage wins already in the Giro and the Vuelta, she is in the position to complete the prestigious Grand Tour Triple if she can win a stage at the Tour. Muzic's motivation and experience make her a key player in the team's quest for success.
In conclusion, the FDJ UNITED-SUEZ team is a fascinating mix of skills and personalities. With a strong leader in Demi Vollering and a supportive team of domestiques, this squad is poised to make waves at the Tour de France Femmes 2026. The dynamics between the riders are intriguing, and their collective effort will be key to their success. From the breakout star Célia Gery to the experienced Évita Muzic, this team has the potential to surprise and delight in the race for the yellow jersey.
