“To find myself battling with riders like Tom Pidcock or Matteo Jorgenson is great” - Romain Gregoire celebrates standout Strade Bianche ride

A brutal edition of Strade Bianche produced another dominant victory for Tadej Pogacar, but further behind the Slovenian’s long solo, one of the most encouraging rides of the day came from Romain Gregoire.

The Groupama - FDJ United rider crossed the line in fourth place on the Piazza del Campo after surviving the race’s decisive selection and holding his own among the strongest riders on the Tuscan gravel.

For the 22-year-old Frenchman, the result represented a major step forward in a race that had previously brought more frustration than success.

“After two difficult years here, this time I really enjoyed it a lot,” Gregoire said afterwards in comments reported by DirectVelo. “I rediscovered the race I had loved three years ago. I had set myself a goal of a top five, and I achieved it. It’s a superb day.”

Gregoire’s previous appearances at Strade Bianche had been defined by aggressive racing and costly risks. This year, however, he approached the race with a different mindset as the peloton tore across the gravel sectors south of Siena.

Rather than forcing the race too early, the Frenchman waited for the decisive phases to unfold before committing himself fully to the battle behind Pogacar’s long-range attack.

“I have more experience now,” Gregoire explained. “I understood that you have to know how to wait for your moment. In the past I took risks at times when it wasn’t necessary.”

That calmer approach proved decisive once the race exploded around the Monte Sante Marie sector, where Pogacar launched the solo move that ultimately decided the race.

While Pogacar rode alone towards victory, the fight for the remaining podium places unfolded behind between a select group of contenders, including Tom Pidcock, Matteo Jorgenson and several of the peloton’s strongest Classics riders.

For Gregoire, simply being able to compete at that level for such a prolonged period marked an important milestone in his development. “To find myself battling with riders like Tom Pidcock or Matteo Jorgenson is great,” he said. “I’m really happy with the level I showed.”

Gregoire’s performance in Tuscany continued a strong early-season run for the Groupama - FDJ United rider. He arrived at Strade Bianche with growing confidence after winning the Faun Drome Classic and finishing second at Trofeo Laigueglia earlier in the spring.

Saturday’s fourth place confirmed that the Frenchman is beginning to translate that form into performances at the biggest races. “I’m at a different level compared to previous years,” Gregoire said. “I worked for that all winter. I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

On a day dominated by Pogacar’s latest display of strength, Gregoire’s ride may not have attracted the same attention. Yet among the riders battling behind the world champion, it was one of the most promising signs of a young rider continuing to grow into the sport’s biggest races.