AG Insurance Becomes Majority Shareholder of Women’s WorldTour Team AG Insurance-Soudal

AG Insurance Takes Majority Share of Women’s WorldTour Team

AG Insurance has taken a significant step in the world of women’s cycling by becoming the majority shareholder of the Women’s WorldTour team that bears its name, AG Insurance-Soudal. The company announced that it will now control 76% of the team’s shares after a dispute among the team’s management.

The remaining shares will be retained by Decoulef, the company that operates the men’s WorldTour team Soudal-QuickStep. This change in ownership comes as team founder Natascha den Ouden has decided to step aside as both an owner and team manager, citing “insurmountable difference of vision” for her decision.

In the new structure, Jolien D’hoore, a four-time Belgian road champion who retired from racing in 2021, will become the sports manager of AG Insurance-Soudal. Jurgen Foré will step in as the team manager while retaining his role as COO of Soudal-QuickStep.

AG Insurance joined as a leading sponsor in March 2022, and the Continental squad became the AG Insurance-NXTG Team. The team’s move to Women’s WorldTour status this season has already shown promising results, with team leader Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio securing a second-place finish at Trofeo Palma Femina and new addition Sarah Gigante winning the GC title at Santos Tour Down Under.

As the team prepares for the upcoming Tour of Flanders, they will be led by Kim Pienaar, supported by a strong lineup of riders. The team’s growth and success over the years have been attributed to Den Ouden’s pioneering work and commitment to women’s cycling.

AG Insurance-Soudal is now looking towards a promising future while remaining true to its vision of sustainable growth in women’s cycling. With the support of AG Insurance and the experienced leadership in place, the team is poised for continued success in the Women’s WorldTour.