Despite its relegation to Division 2, the owner and president of the club, Jean-Luc Lagardère, got the club to undergo a major recruitment exercise by signing several new and reputable players for the 1985-86 season, including Maxime Bossis. It also appointed a new head coach, Silvester Takač for that new season. Mahut and his teammates helped the club to win Group B of the 1985–86 Division 2 by a six-point margin.
The relegation to Division 2 did not hinder the club's efforts under Jean-Luc Lagardère, who spearheaded a successful recruitment drive and appointed Silvester Takač as head coach. Mahut's team capitalized on this momentum to win Group B of Division 2 by a six-point margin.