<\/p>\n
And for him, this isn\u2019t simply about a generational rider \u2014 it\u2019s about the structure surrounding him. \u201cUAE\u2019s domination also raises questions for the rivals. When a team signs the best young talents, has the means to optimise everything, and perhaps operates in a financial frame different from teams sponsored by traditional companies, it ends up destabilising the market.\u201d<\/p>\n
The reality, he argues, is stark: WorldTour survival requires investment levels far beyond what many long-standing sponsors can sustain. \u201cTo exist today inside the world\u2019s top 10, you need a budget that has doubled compared to five years ago. That\u2019s not sustainable for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA massive influx of money has blown everything up\u201d<\/p>\n
Voeckler believes the financial transformation of the past five years has reshaped the sport far more radically than most fans appreciate. \u201cA massive influx of money has blown everything up: salaries, budgets, demands. Some domestiques don\u2019t even benefit from it. Many companies can no longer invest in cycling as before: the amounts are too high.\u201d<\/p>\n
Talk of possible solutions \u2014 salary caps, budget caps, redistribution \u2014 hasn\u2019t convinced him that a neat fix exists. \u201cI think about it, but I don\u2019t have a miracle solution. A budget cap could help, but it would need a shared will, and rugby shows that even with a salary cap, there can be loopholes. Putting the brakes on this inflation would help, but it would require huge coordination between teams, the UCI and organisers.\u201d<\/p>\n
And until that happens, he says, a small cluster of riders and teams will continue to monopolise points. \u201cA handful of riders monopolise the victories and therefore the points. Without one or two big leaders capable of fighting for the win every time, it\u2019s almost impossible to compete in the nations ranking today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paid roadside access? \u201cWe must preserve cycling\u2019s free spirit\u201dWith fresh debate emerging around potential revenue streams such as paid access on iconic Tour de France climbs<\/a>, Voeckler was categorical in his rejection of the idea. \u201cI think we must preserve cycling\u2019s free access: it\u2019s a powerful symbol.\u201dHe sees limited, premium hospitality zones as acceptable, but warns against touching the defining feature of the Tour. \u201cYou could imagine a few very limited premium zones to attract partners or decision-makers\u2026 but if you ask Christian Prudhomme<\/a> to charge for the last 5 kilometres of Alpe d\u2019Huez, you won\u2019t stay long in his office.\u201d<\/p>\n And he reminded fans that TV income alone cannot solve the structural imbalance. \u201cMany races pay to be broadcast. Big organisers make money on some events, but lose money on many others. Redistribution might help, but it won\u2019t rebalance the power between a team like UAE and a more modest formation.\u201d<\/p>\n Voeckler\u2019s wish for 2026: suspense, finally<\/p>\n In perhaps the most revealing line of the interview, Voeckler admitted what a certain section of fans have long felt. \u201cA bit more suspense\u2026 I adore Pogacar, but when he starts a race, the suspense is often limited.\u201d<\/p>\n That reality, he added, already shapes race calendars. \u201cIt pushes some riders to avoid events where he is present, except the Tour where everyone must go.\u201d<\/p>\n But he remains upbeat about France\u2019s prospects. \u201cWe have many young riders capable of stepping up: Romain Gregoire, Kevin Vauquelin, Paul Magnier\u2026 If some of them reach that next level and become regular outsiders, or more, we\u2019ll have a great season. A more open, more unpredictable 2026: that would be perfect.\u201d<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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