PARIS — Three-time cyclo-cross world champion Fem van Empel will lead the new Specialized TMRW cyclo-cross team as FDJ United-SUEZ and Specialized confirmed Friday their official roster and multi-disciplinary project for long-term progression to develop talent on the road. The four-rider squad for the 2026-2027 cyclo-cross season has already been previewed in competition, with Van Empel finishing fourth last weekend at Berencross in Meulebeke, Belgium in the squad's red kit.
Van Empel will be joined off-road by three U23 riders from the FDJ United-SUEZ road programme — Anja Grossmann, Amandine Muller and Célia Gery. Gery claimed the women's U23 bronze medal at the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Hulst last season while Muller finished fifth, both representing France, while 18-year-old Swiss talent Grossmann finished fourth in the women's junior race at the same championships.
The TMRW brand was created by Tomorrow Group, the owner of FDJ United-SUEZ, to broaden racing into new disciplines, with cyclo-cross identified as the first step in "strengthening its international presence and nurturing outstanding young talent". The discipline is viewed as a way for riders to develop technical skills and earn racing experience throughout the year. Stephen Delcourt, general manager of the Women's WorldTour squad, will serve in the same capacity for the French cyclo-cross team, with Nicolas Maire also serving dual roles as sports director.
“What we are building today is rooted in the project developed with FDJ UNITED and SUEZ. Their commitment allows us to look further ahead and prepare for the next stages of our development. Together with Specialized, we share the conviction that giving young athletes the opportunity to grow across disciplines can help them become more complete road riders," Delcourt said in a team statement. "Specialized TMRW brings that ambition to life: to open new pathways for the next generation, explore new sporting opportunities and continue expanding internationally."
Delcourt added that cyclo-cross "has played an important role in the development of some of cycling's greatest athletes" and provides "a demanding environment in which to build technical skills, confidence and racing instinct". The creation of Specialized TMRW aligns with the road team's 2030 strategic plan, which management said strived for "excellence in both disciplines", with additional support for the cyclo-cross campaign from 100%, Shimano and Gobik.