The end: Nail in the coffin for Arkea as team fails to secure sponsors

The French team, which has been part of the professional peloton for decades, picking up famous victories along the way, had been fighting for survival following the withdrawal of sponsors, but desperate efforts to find new financial partners proved unsuccessful. The team had to attempt to find new sponsors after both Arkéa and B&B Hotels had already informed the management before the Tour de France that they would not be renewing their expiring deals.

"The end was expected and Emmanuel Hubert confirmed this on Wednesday morning via a message to his employees," reported French newspaperL'Équipe, which broke the news about the team's closure.

October 15 marked a critical date on the cycling calendar as teams were required to submit all necessary financing documentation to the UCI. Without sponsors in place, meeting these conditions became impossible for Hubert's team.

"The manager of Arkéa-B&B Hotels explained that by the deadline of October 15, he had not been able to find financial partners for next season and therefore meet the conditions of the UCI," the French newspaper further stated.

The closure affects approximately 150 employees, including 27 professional male riders, 12 riders from the development squad, and 13 female riders. 16 riders are still without a contract for 2026 as they await news on their future endeavours.

Despite previous speculation that the team might continue at a lower level, Hubert has now ruled out any form of comeback. According to L'Équipe, "The Breton manager reiterated that the team would not return to the World Tour or as a ProTeam. Although some had spoken internally about starting at a lower level, he had little hope, but invited them to share 'all the chances or possibilities' with him."

Hubert had maintained hope throughout the process but had previously acknowledged the difficulty of the situation following the sponsors' withdrawal.

The news marks the end of a team that has been a fixture in professional cycling for many years, contributing to the sport's landscape particularly in France.