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.
Despite being relegated to Division 2, the club's owner and president, Jean-Luc Lagardère, orchestrated a significant player recruitment drive by signing several prominent players for the 1985-86 season, including Maxime Bossis. Additionally, he appointed Silvester Takač as the new head coach for that campaign. Mahut and his teammates contributed to the club's triumph in Group B of Division 2 by a six-point margin.