Romain Grégoire bounces back in style
# Romain Grégoire Claims First Win of the Season at Faun Drôme Classic
Romain Grégoire’s season is off to an electrifying start as he clinched his first victory at the Faun Drôme Classic this Sunday, showcasing his resilience and prowess. After a challenging initial few races, the French rider from Groupama-FDJ United demonstrated his competitive spirit in a thrilling showdown against Matteo Jorgenson.
The Faun Drôme Classic, held around Étoile-sur-Rhône, presented a less grueling course compared to the previous day’s Faun Ardèche Classic. However, the final stretch proved demanding with seven varied climbs, including the notable Col de la Grande Limite. The day’s race trajectory was initially calm, dominated by a seven-man breakaway, until climbers’ teams began pushing the pace.
“We knew the climbers’ teams would push the pace on the Grande Limite, and that’s exactly what happened,” said Benoît Vaugrenard, reflecting on the team’s strategy. As the climbs unfolded, Grégoire expressed some early uncertainties, but found his rhythm on the Grande Limite. “I had a few doubts at the start of the race, but… I was actually feeling pretty good and thought there might be something to go for,” he noted.
As the race progressed, a decisive moment arrived when Grégoire and Jorgenson broke away, gaining a significant lead. “When Matteo went, I didn’t hesitate for a second,” Grégoire shared. They worked in harmony, building a near 40-second advantage over the peloton while navigating the challenging climbs.
In the closing moments of the race, Grégoire maintained his focus. “I didn’t look back once in the final kilometre,” he stated, highlighting his determination. With just 250 meters to go, he surged ahead, decisively dropping Jorgenson. “Even though the gap was coming down, I know how explosive Romain is, so I was very confident,” Benoît remarked.
Grégoire’s victory held profound significance for him, following a tough start to the season. “Honestly, I didn’t expect to win today,” he admitted. “I had some doubts after yesterday’s race… My teammates never stopped believing in me… This victory is exactly what I needed.”
Benoît concluded by emphasizing the importance of the win for the team, stating, “Romain’s qualities — the qualities of a great champion… This victory is very important for what’s to come.” Grégoire’s triumph not only marked a personal milestone but also signaled the team’s readiness to build momentum as the season unfolds.
