French cycling has found another protagonist of its future. Following the emergence of young talents like Paul Seixas and Paul Magnier, Romain Grégoire is also confirming himself as one of the men destined to lead the new generation of French riders. The Groupama-FDJ United rider, born 23 years ago in Besançon, has conquered the national road cycling championship title at the end of an extremely difficult race held in La Tour-du-Pin, under scorching heat that made the race even more selective.

The organizers had even modified the schedule to try to limit the effects of extreme temperatures, moving up the start time by a few minutes and reducing the course from fifteen to fourteen laps. But the sun and heat accompanied the riders throughout the day, making the young Frenchman's victory even more valuable.

Grégoire's success is that of a now-established talent, but above all of a team that interpreted the race perfectly. Groupama-FDJ United lined up with no fewer than 33 riders and exploited their numerical superiority to build their captain's triumph.

"Today I was able to count on a very strong team. We were more than thirty and everyone gave their best," said the new French champion. "At one point we found ourselves more than two minutes behind and it certainly wasn't the ideal situation, especially with this heat. But everyone worked tirelessly to get me back into the right position. In the end, it went even better than I could have imagined."

His first words after the finish line tell how much this success was anticipated, and at the next Tour de France, he will have the honor of racing with the French flag on his chest.

"The national title was a dream for a very long time. Today I managed to achieve it, but I find it difficult to talk about my victory because this jersey belongs to the entire team. If it were possible, I would divide it into thirty-three pieces, one for each teammate. It's the result of a collective effort and I'm immensely proud of all of them."

For Grégoire, this is the most important victory of his career, despite an already rich palmares.
"Yes, without a doubt. I've already won fifteen victories as a professional, but I would have traded them all to become French champion. This is the most beautiful victory of my life".

Words that perfectly explain the value of the tricolor jersey in France, where the national championship represents one of the most cherished appointments of the entire season.

The young talent from Besançon never hid the fact that the title was one of the major objectives of his 2026 season. "After Liège-Bastogne-Liège, all my preparation was built with this block of races in mind: the French Championship and the Tour de France. From the beginning of May, every morning when I went out to train, I thought only about these two races".

The emotion exploded especially at the finish line, when he saw many people waiting for his passage under the finish line.
"It was pure joy. Being able to share this moment with my family and with so many friends, here close to home, is something special. I don't think I've ever let myself go so much after a victory".

The French champion's jersey will naturally enter Grégoire's personal collection, alongside those won in the youth categories.
"The original will stay at home with the other national team jerseys. But I would like to have replicas made for all the staff members and team members who worked for this success".

Now his thoughts are already turning to the Tour de France, which he will face wearing one of cycling's most prestigious jerseys.
"I still can't imagine what it means to race the Tour with the French champion's jersey. I spoke with Paul Lapeira, who experienced it last year, and he told me how special it is. The Tour is already an extraordinary experience in itself, but with this jersey it will be even more so. I will try to honor it every day".

At just 23 years old, Romain Grégoire represents the symbol of the new French generation. Together with talents like Paul Seixas and Paul Magnier, the Groupama-FDJ United rider is helping to bring enthusiasm back to French cycling. A young, courageous generation already competitive at the highest international levels, destined to inherit the legacy of France's great champions of the past.

And after conquering the tricolor jersey, Grégoire will line up at the Tour de France start with an added responsibility, but also with the awareness that he is now one of the brightest faces of French cycling.