Alpecin-Premier Tech today unveils its 2026 Merci Poupou jersey, inspired by the iconic Miko-Mercier-Hutchinson jersey worn by Raymond Poulidor during the final season of his professional career in 1977.
Since its launch in 2021, Merci Poupou has grown into one of the team's most meaningful initiatives, raising more than €600,000 for charitable causes and youth cycling development. Once again, the special jersey forms the centrepiece of a fundraising campaign supporting both the Merci Poupou Foundation and the Merci Poupou Academy.
As every year, riders wear the jersey during Alpecin-Premier Tech's traditional Merci Poupou coffee ride on the second Tour de France rest day.
Philip Roodhooft, General Manager of Alpecin-Premier Tech: "Merci Poupou reflects the values Raymond Poulidor stood for: passion, perseverance and generosity. Thanks to the incredible support of our riders, partners and fans, the initiative has already raised more than €600,000 since 2021. We're proud of what we've achieved together and hope this year's campaign will once again inspire people to support these important causes."
Funds raised through the 2026 campaign will once again support both the Merci Poupou Foundation, backing organisations including Kom op Tegen Kanker, AFH Revalidatieweide, Antwerp Diner VZW, Iedereen(G)Fietst, Ligue Handisport Francophone, Iedereen G-Fietst, Anticancer Fund and STOPhersentumoren, and the Merci Poupou Academy, which supports youth cycling initiatives such as WAC Team, Crabbé-Dstny and NXTG Racing.
Supporters can contribute through several initiatives.
- The official Merci Poupou 2026 replica jersey is available via KALAS.
- An exclusive Catawiki charity auction features signed jerseys, limited-edition Oakley x Merci Poupou sunglasses and exclusive artwork.
- An exclusive Merci Poupou lifestyle collection, including adidas T-shirts, Zwift x Merci Poupou socks and other limited-edition items, is available through the team's webshop.
About Merci Poupou
Merci Poupou was founded in 2021 to honour the legacy of Raymond Poulidor, following Mathieu van der Poel's (Poulidor's grandson) first Tour de France. What began with a special edition jersey inspired by Poulidor's iconic Mercier team has grown into the charitable foundation of Alpecin-Premier Tech.
Through various initiatives, Merci Poupou raises funds to help children and young adults access sport, support recovery after injuries, and contribute to charities such as Kom op tegen Kanker. Since its launch, the initiative has raised more than €600,000 for social causes (Merci Poupou Foundation) and development projects (Merci Poupou Academy). More information about the campaign and all fundraising initiatives is available at mercipoupou.com.
