Tour de France Femmes: Oceane Mahé's Journey from Camper to Mountain Jersey

Tourreporterin

Stand: 02.08.2026 • 19:53 Uhr

22 teams are participating in the Tour de France Femmes, including smaller teams like Ma Petite Entreprise, which has already made headlines with a surprising performance. However, there are also cautionary notes.

In Aigle, the atmosphere is filled with a holiday vibe as the second stage of the Tour de France Femmes kicks off. The journey to the start line takes riders through picturesque holiday spots along Lake Geneva, where people are splashing in the water or relaxing in numerous cafés. This idyllic scene can be disheartening for those who are on their way to work or facing a grueling 150 kilometers on their bikes.

Some teams are adapting to this summer atmosphere, albeit not entirely by choice. While major teams like SD Worx and UAE travel in luxury coaches, the smaller squads must make do with campers. Among them is Ma Petite Entreprise, making its debut in the Tour this year and already causing a stir right from the start.

Mahé's Remarkable Achievement

Océane Mahé, a rider for Ma Petite Entreprise, clinched the mountain jersey during the first stage around Lausanne, marking a significant achievement for such a small team. "This is totally crazy. I couldn't even imagine it in my wildest dreams," the 24-year-old French cyclist expressed joyfully in an interview with Dutch colleagues from NOS just before the start in Aigle.

"We knew when we went into the breakaway group that we could achieve something. Maybe the prize for the most combative rider, but the dotted jersey is even bigger and more impressive." Mahé spent over 100 kilometers in the breakaway, viewing it as an opportunity to highlight her team’s capabilities.

"We can show that we can compete without needing a big bus or anything like that," Mahé stated confidently. "Moreover, we come here with less pressure. We just want to have fun. Of course, we are not here to win the yellow jersey, but I think wearing the dotted jersey for a day is pretty good."

Unique Team Concept

Ma Petite Entreprise is one of seven Pro teams in this year’s Tour de France Femmes. This category was introduced by the cycling world federation, which is based in Aigle, just last year. These teams essentially represent a second tier behind the World Teams and ahead of the Continental Teams. Ma Petite Entreprise received its Pro license at the start of this season and secured its first victory at the Tour du Haut Limousin Féminin in May, also achieved by Mahé.

Rather than relying on one or two major sponsors, anyone can contribute to a Pro team. According to their website, there are over 560 sponsors, with sixty new ones joining since Mahé took the mountain jersey. The team is supported by cycling veteran Vincent Lavenu, who has faced doping allegations during his long managerial career. Mahé is currently interning with one of the sponsors, which allows her and her teammates to potentially earn a living from the sport.

VolkerWessels: A Talent Factory

The riders from VolkerWessels, a Dutch Pro team, find themselves in a different situation. Not only do they travel in a comfortable coach equipped with amenities like a slushie machine for staff and energy drinks for the riders, but they also have more experience. The team, originally known as Parkhotel Valkenburg, has been part of professional cycling since 2014.

Several top riders, including Demi Vollering, Mischa Bredewold, and current yellow jersey holder Lorena Wiebes, have made their mark at VolkerWessels. However, retaining young talent is becoming increasingly challenging, as noted by sports director Bart Faes. "In the past, our goal was to be a talent factory, but if we want to step up to the next level, we need to keep our riders," Faes explained. "We pay the minimum salary, although some earn more. When world-class teams come knocking, we have no chance."

Caution Against Rapid Growth

The minimum salary for Pro teams ranges between €22,000 and €36,000, depending on whether riders pay their own social contributions. Faes appreciates the restructuring of teams last year but issues a warning. More small teams, especially at the Continental level, are struggling to survive. "The UCI needs to keep an eye on this, not just on the top. Women's cycling is growing very quickly, perhaps too quickly. If the lower levels collapse, this will all be over fast," he cautioned.

Small teams are vital for nurturing new talent, as very few riders make the leap directly to a WorldTour team. Faes stresses the importance of allowing young women to progress gradually. "It's crucial to let the girls take small steps. If they jump in at the top too quickly, it can lead to problems," he warned. "Of course, money is tempting, but that shouldn't be the priority in the first two years. It will come later when they're ready for it."

Mahé Defends Her Mountain Jersey

Mahé managed to hold onto her mountain jersey for a second day, despite not expecting to do so on the morning in Aigle. She retained her narrow lead by just one point. "My legs didn't hold up well," she admitted. "But tomorrow is a new day. There are ten points up for grabs early on, so we need to fight. As always, we will give it our all," she stated at the finish in Geneva. It seems that success in cycling isn't solely about the mode of transport after all.