The blue, white and red jersey is the dream of every French rider. And today, the favorite rider to conquer the national symbol is Romain Grégoire, 23 years old, ready to represent his country to the world. After winning the junior European title in 2021 and several national team jerseys in youth categories, the Groupama-FDJ talent is now chasing the most prestigious goal of his career: the title of French professional champion.

In his family home, the jerseys won over the years are already kept with pride. But the professional one would have a completely different meaning.

«If I could bring home the tricolor jersey of the professionals, it would have an even more special value, especially in my heart - says Grégoire - Since I had the chance to wear it in youth categories, it has become a dream. Now I'm chasing that jersey I've always wanted».

If Groupama-FDJ presents itself at the start with a real army, Decathlon-CMA CGM will instead have to rely mainly on quality. The team, winner of the last two editions of the National Championships thanks to Paul Lapeira and Dorian Godon, will indeed start with just eight riders, the lowest number in recent years.

The team will include professionals Léo Bisiaux, Noa Isidore, Jordan Labrosse, Paul Lapeira and Antoine L'Hote, alongside three young riders from the development team Aubin Sparfel, Rémi Arsac and Théophile Vassal. The group was further reduced after the withdrawal of Louis Chaleil, who suffered a crash in the time trial held on Thursday.

A very different situation compared to last year, when the team could count on fourteen men. The comparison with opponents is even more evident: Groupama-FDJ will field as many as 33 riders, while TotalEnergies will bring 28.

«You don't need thirty, but fifteen would certainly be better», admits Decathlon-CMA CGM sports director Cyril Dessel. «Being so few is not an advantage, it's obvious. But that doesn't mean we don't believe in the possibility of winning the title.»

The absence of important men like Paul Seixas, Aurélien Paret-Peintre and Nicolas Prodhomme, engaged in preparing for the Tour de France, will force Decathlon to interpret the race in a completely different way.

«In the last two years we had more pressure because we were numerically superior - explains Jordan Labrosse - This time we will face the race with a different mentality and I think it can be an advantage». The young Frenchman perfectly sums up the team's philosophy: «We don't have quantity, but we have quality».

Dessel also knows that it will be essential to choose the right moment. «We won't be able to react to every attack like Groupama or TotalEnergies will. We'll have to find other solutions and make the most of our opportunities. I'm convinced that we have several cards to play in the finale, but we'll have to be present when it really counts».

Among Decathlon's main hopes is naturally Paul Lapeira, defending French champion, determined to defend the title won twelve months ago.

«We have every reason to believe - says the 26-year-old - The course suits our characteristics. We'll have to race intelligently and not be caught off guard.»

According to Lapeira, less observed riders like Aubin Sparfel or Jordan Labrosse could also become precious weapons in the finale. Among Decathlon's most anticipated men is also Léo Bisiaux, coming off an excellent sixth place in Thursday's time trial.

«We'll all be a bit more protected because we won't have to control the race», explains the young Frenchman, who after the championship will take a recovery period before preparing for the Vuelta a España.

The absence of earpieces could even turn into a small advantage. «Being only eight of us will make it easier to communicate directly during the race and transmit information or tactical instructions».

Between Romain Grégoire's dream of finally conquering the tricolor jersey and Decathlon-CMA CGM's desire to confirm its dominance despite a reduced roster, the French Championship promises spectacle and will be a race to be lived, where strategy, tactical intelligence and timing could make the difference even more than the strength of numbers.