Unstoppable Romain Grégoire
# Romain Grégoire: A Rising Star Shines at Tour de Luxembourg
Romain Grégoire’s quest for glory continues! The young French cyclist demonstrated his unyielding determination this Sunday, clinching victory on the fifth and final stage of the Tour de Luxembourg. After a twenty-kilometre breakaway with fellow competitor Ben Healy, Grégoire surged ahead, leaving Healy in his wake just one kilometre from the finish line. The 22-year-old powerhouse not only secured his sixth win of the season but also marked his twelfth as a professional rider, helping the Groupama-FDJ cycling team reach an impressive milestone of fifteen victories in 2025.
As the Groupama-FDJ team entered Luxembourg City, they did so with a sense of familiarity and dominance. Notably, both Valentin Madouas and David Gaudu had previously triumphed on the same finishing circuit in the capital of the Grand Duchy. This backdrop fueled Grégoire’s drive, especially after he lost the yellow jersey just 48 hours prior. “I felt very bad, for myself and for the team, for missing out on Friday,” he admitted. “I wasn’t at my level, and I was keen to show today that I could do much better than that and win.”
The strategy for this stage hinged on securing a place in the breakaway group, a move that Director Sportif Benoît Vaugrenard emphasized: “We were expecting a big fight for the breakaway… and that’s what Enzo did very well.” Grégoire, joined by about ten other competitors, managed to slip into the leading group despite the peloton’s close pursuit throughout the day, which was compounded by pouring rain.
As the race intensified, Grégoire and teammate Mats Wenzel took the initiative, speeding away from the peloton which remained just forty seconds behind. “It took boldness,” Benoît noted, explaining that their move came as UAE Team Emirates relaxed their chase. This allowed Grégoire’s team to capitalize and gain momentum.
With one kilometre to go, the pivotal moment arrived. Grégoire was well-positioned by teammate Lorenzo Germani, who helped set a strong pace before Grégoire followed Healy’s attack. “When I saw Ben Healy attack, I didn’t hesitate for a second,” Grégoire recalled. The dynamics shifted as the duo’s lead expanded, and by the time they reached the final lap, they held over a minute’s advantage over the chasing favorites.
Reflecting on the tactical battle, Grégoire stated, “It was clear that we each had our card to play.” He chose to bide his time and unleash his explosiveness at the crunch moment. In a decisive counterattack, he made his move with just a kilometre left, leaving Healy behind. Despite a spirited effort from the Irishman, he couldn’t close the gap, and Grégoire celebrated a hard-fought victory.
“It’s pretty crazy to find myself here again five days after my first victory,” Grégoire expressed joyfully. The inclement weather added a layer of challenge, but he emerged victorious. This win not only solidified Grégoire’s place in cycling but also marked Groupama-FDJ’s fourth victory on this stage in the last five years.
Benoît praised the team’s performance: “With two stage wins, the contract for the week has been more than fulfilled.” The commitment exhibited by the team and the resilience of their leader has set a positive outlook for the upcoming races, signaling that Grégoire’s journey is just beginning.
