Namur World Cup podium finish boosts Amandine Fouquenet's 2026 contract search
Amandine Fouquenet, the French national cyclocross champion, has sent a powerful message to potential sponsors with her third-place finish at the World Cup in Namur. This achievement comes on the heels of her second-place finish at the Flamanville World Cup earlier in the season, solidifying her status as a top performer in international cyclocross.
The 24-year-old Fouquenet, however, remains without a contract for 2026 following the collapse of her team, Arkéa - B&B Hotels Women. The team failed to secure a sponsor for the upcoming season, leaving Fouquenet in a challenging position.
Despite the setback, Fouquenet's performance at Namur was impressive. She finished just one minute behind the winner, Puck Pieterse, and secured a spot on the podium. Her strong start and ability to recover from a deep dive showcased her resilience and determination.
Fouquenet's coach, Léonard Cosnier, expressed his surprise that a rider of her caliber has yet to find a team at this stage of the season. He believes that Fouquenet's performance will attract interest, and he is confident that she will bounce back.
Fouquenet's road campaign with Arkéa - B&B Hotels Women has also been notable, mirroring the traditional cyclocross rider's schedule. She has participated in the Spring Classics and finished 16th in the Morbihan Classic in France. Her consistency in the top-10 finishes this cross season, including a convincing win at the Coupe de France series race in Quelneuc, further highlights her talent.
Fouquenet's positive mindset and focus on nutrition, sleep, and recovery have contributed to her success. She hopes to find a cross and road team for 2026, emphasizing her determination to continue her career.
As the season progresses, Fouquenet remains optimistic, stating that she hasn't experienced any slumps and hopes to continue her strong performance. Her resilience and dedication make her a fighter, and she is confident that her efforts will pay off, leaving her hopeful that the phone will ring with a new contract opportunity.
