Groupama-FDJ has chosen managed services provider Marlink to deploy, monitor, and manage an integrated connectivity solution across its fleet of support vehicles.
The high-performance network combines low-Earth-orbit satellite capabilities from Starlink with terrestrial LTE networks. The system is designed to maintain robust mobile communications for the French top-tier cycling team during the 2026 World Tour racing season and beyond.
Marlink operates as a managed service provider of remote information and communication technology solutions, generating annual revenues that surpass US$800 million. The company employs 1,500 people across more than 30 countries, delivering secure digital solutions, network management, cyber security, and internet of things (IoT) applications to enterprise, maritime, and government sectors.
The new network infrastructure for Groupama-FDJ is built to deliver seamless, high-bandwidth, and low-latency data transmission, even when support vehicles are travelling at high speeds.
The setup will facilitate behind-the-scenes reporting and enable constant, real-time exchanges between the Sporting Director and team coordinators within the race convoy. Reliable data links are increasingly viewed as a critical operational necessity for professional cycling teams, which rely on continuous telemetry, strategic coordination, and video analysis during major international events.
One of the main operational challenges faced by cycling teams is navigating mountainous terrain and remote geographic regions. Ground-based cellular networks in these areas are often weak, non-existent, or heavily congested by crowds of spectators and broadcast media crews during a race.
By dynamically switching between Starlink satellite signals and terrestrial LTE feeds based on real-time availability, Marlink’s mobile platform helps with always-on connectivity. This allows team management to closely follow live television coverage, manage logistics, and make instant tactical adjustments without risking communications blackouts.
The deployment incorporates an intelligent power management system to maintain network availability during critical race moments. This allows the communication hardware to remain fully operational and support high-definition video streaming even when the team vehicles are stationary with their engines switched off.
Furthermore, Marlink notes that the hybrid data pipeline establishes the necessary technical infrastructure for the team to transition toward radio over internet protocol communications inside the moving convoy, which helps overcome the line-of-sight limitations common to traditional two-way radios in deep valleys.
The system is also intended to streamline data transfer for external operations, ensuring the rapid and reliable delivery of multimedia content, sponsor activations, and race updates from the roadside. This helps the team maintain consistent engagement with fans, media outlets, partners, and other stakeholders across international race routes.
Thierry Cornec, General Manager at Groupama-FDJ United, said “Groupama-FDJ continues to innovate both on and off the bike, and we prioritise technology partners that can support our long-term ambitions. Partnering with Marlink is a natural fit: the company brings decades of experience supporting major international cycling events and deep expertise in delivering turnkey communications in demanding environments.”
Alexandre de Luca, President Enterprise, Energy and Government at Marlink, said “Marlink continues to invest in connectivity solutions for major sporting events, ensuring teams and organisers have access to reliable, high-performance communications. Building on our experience across international cycling races and rally events, our hybrid satellite and LTE solutions enable stable, high-bandwidth connectivity on the move, supporting real-time decision-making, HD streaming and the transition to technologies such as radio over IP.”
The technical solution is currently being integrated into the team’s vehicle fleet ahead of upcoming World Tour events. Ongoing technical support, system monitoring, and managed service operations will be handled directly by Marlink’s global support teams throughout the season.
www.marlink.com
www.equipecycliste-groupama-fdj.fr
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