Goodbye USC, hello UESC! Duringhis New Year's address, President Grégory de RADIGUES announced the semantic evolution of the organization:

Grégory de RADIGUES also emphasized the overhaul of the UESC's governance and internal operations, with the allocation of mandates to the Presidential Council, which should enable it to better serve its member companies. 

He also delivered a message of optimism during a period of political and economic uncertainty:

“Physical activity is the best remedy for the scourge of a sedentary lifestyle. It is a powerful lever for social cohesion and an antidote to widespread pessimism, with an economic sector built on solid foundations!” 

On this subject, the UESC Research Department presented exclusive market figures for 2025, which show a decline (for cycling), mixed results (for sporting goods and equipment), and positive growth for commercial sports and leisure activities and the mountain sector.

Pascale GOZZI, President of the Commerce and Sporting Goods Division,reiterated the importance of the organization's representativeness: "With more than 4,000 member companies (+140% in 5 years), our ambition is to give all companies in the sector a single voice and strengthen our influence. The encouraging results of the creation of our first regional delegation in Nouvelle-Aquitaine are testament to this ambition."

This representativeness translates into concrete victories, such as the recognition of the UESC as a representative organization of the National Collective Agreement for Sport. "A victory that allows UESC member sports companies to be fully represented in social negotiations," saidVirgile CAILLET, General Delegate. 

Other advances were highlighted, including the adoption by the National Assembly of an amendment to lower VAT on sports activities (before its rejection in the final text of the 2026 budget) and measures to combat unfair competition from non-EU platforms.

Patrick GUINARD, President of the Cycle Commission, also praised the representativeness of the UESC, which accounts for 90% of bicycles produced and more than 70% of bicycles sold in France. He recalled the battles over the repair fund and the 28 business projects approved under the bicycle industry call for projects. 

Eric DALIGAULT, President of the Games, Sport & Territories College, reiterated the UESC's desire to play its part in the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and its commitment to the development of sport:

"The creation ofthe Manifesto for an Active and Sporty France, and the "Sport Is Essential" tour, are proof of this. They also remind us, in a context of tight public finances, that sport is synonymous with dynamism for businesses and regions. "

Beyond that, the expertise and energy of UESC companies will once again be put to work on major sporting projects in our country, with the 2027 World Cycling Championships and the 2030 Alpine Olympic and Paralympic Games. Jérôme CAMPS, President of the Mountain Commission, unveiled the four main areas of focus for this mobilization for the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games:

“inspiring young people, highlighting the performance of facilities and brands, taking into account the tourism dynamics of the regions, and committing to a lasting legacy of the Games for mountain regions and their populations, mainly from a housing perspective.”