“It’s less spectacular than Paul Seixas’s victory yesterday” – Romain Gregoire answers Ardèche disappointment with Faun Drome Classic win

Romain Gregoire did not arrive at the start of the Faun Drome Classic certain of anything. His legs were sore from Ardèche. His sensations had been mixed. He had even warned his team not to commit fully to him.

By late afternoon in Étoile-sur-Rhône, he was raising his arms. “It’s quite a crazy feeling, especially after a start to the season that wasn’t bad but where the sensations were mixed,” Gregoire told DirectVelo after outkicking Matteo Jorgenson to win the 2026 Faun Drome Classic.

“I didn’t really know what to expect this morning, particularly as I had really sore legs after Ardèche. To be honest, I even told my teammates not to put everything on me today because I wasn’t sure about my legs,” he admitted honestly.

The honesty was striking. Twenty-four hours earlier, Paul Seixas had torn the race apart in Ardèche with a long-range solo. Gregoire, by contrast, had been left frustrated. “I was really disappointed with myself yesterday. When the team trusts you, and you don’t bring back a result, it’s always disappointing.”

The race in Drome turned inside the final 20 kilometres. A front group of twelve had formed, including three riders from Team Visma | Lease a Bike. That numerical advantage dictated the next phase.

“We had already gone clear as a group of twelve just before that, including three Visma riders. We had to focus on them because they had the numbers. You had to be ready to follow when they made their move.”

When Davide Piganzoli attacked, Gregoire held back. When Jorgenson countered, he reacted instantly. “When Piganzoli attacked the first time, I didn’t go. But I was in the right place at the right time when Matteo countered. I had a strong rouleur with me, so I quickly thought there was an opportunity.”

From that moment, the race simplified into a two-man confrontation. The gap hovered around twenty seconds as they approached the final climb of Étoile-sur-Rhône. “With the adrenaline of fighting for the win, it felt much better. It’s just crazy to win here.”

The sprint that followed was tight, the chasers looming just seconds behind. “I didn’t really know what was happening behind. The last information I got was through the earpiece when they told me it was 20 seconds under the red kite. I thought it would be enough. But when I looked back at 150 metres and saw Lenny on Matteo’s wheel, I admit I had a bit of a scare. But in the end, it worked out.”

The comparison to Saturday’s spectacle was inevitable. “After winning Ardèche last year, I had Drôme in my sights this year. It’s less spectacular than Paul Seixas’s victory yesterday, but it’s nice to be able to raise your arms,” he said with a laugh.

There was no 40-kilometre solo this time. No overwhelming power display. Instead, the Drome Classic was decided by timing, positioning and nerve on the Mur d’Allex and in the final kilometre.

For Gregoire, that nuance mattered less than the result. “It’s important to win — that’s why we race. It’s rare, and you have to know how to enjoy it when it happens. And obviously, it unlocks a lot of things for the rest of the season.”

The Boucles Drôme-Ardèche weekend had begun with frustration and doubt. It ended with confirmation.

Now attention turns to Italy and the spring Classics. “That’s the idea, but there’s still a bit of work to do before San Remo. There are two or three weeks left to fine-tune the form, with Laigueglia and Strade in between. I’m on the right track.”

Less spectacular, perhaps. But no less significant.