A FRENCH FRUSTRATION CONTINUES: JORGENSON CLOSE TO VICTORY IN THE FAUN DROME CLASSIC
Road racing news and context: Matteo Jorgenson of Team Visma - Lease a Bike nearly snagged the win after finishing fourth on Saturday, then grabbed a close second on Sunday at the Faun Drome Classic. He finished behind the talented French rider Romain Grégoire of Groupama – FDJ United.
Near-miss, near-glory
This marked the second consecutive day in which Jorgenson came up just short against a rising French talent. On Saturday, he was outpaced by Paul Seixas, a 19-year-old prodigy, in the Faun-Ardèche Classic. On Sunday, Jorgenson was eclipsed again in the sprint by Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious).
Seixas did not race on Sunday. Jorgenson appeared sharper on the Faun Drome Classic’s second day, which was only his second race of the year, signaling he’s edging toward his first victory of 2026.
After the finish, Jorgenson reflected: “Second place isn’t the goal I had in mind, but I was beaten by a stronger sprinter today. Our team rode a tactically solid race. At one point we had four riders in the front group for the finale. That numerical advantage let me launch at the right moment, but I still missed out on the win.”
Tactical drama and late accelerations
With 17 kilometers to go, Jorgenson and Grégoire pulled away on a slight descent into Étoile-sur-Rhône, separating from a group that included US national champion Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) and Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (Movistar Team). Benoît Cosnefroy (UAE Emirates-XRG) mounted a late solo chase but was reeled in with three kilometers remaining. The peloton closed in on the final climb with under 500 meters to go.
Lenny Martinez surged first to try to bridge the gap, but his effort fell short in the final dash to the line.
Grégoire kicked with about 200 meters to go and opened a small gap, riding to victory by a few bike lengths ahead of Jorgenson.
Outcomes and outlook
For the American rider, it’s another sign of progress and a clear path toward a major result. He’s scheduled to race Strade Bianche next Saturday, followed by Tirreno–Adriatico, as he builds toward more ambitious targets.
Key takeaway: Jorgenson is in good form and closing in on his first win of the season, even as a wave of promising French sprinters continues to challenge him.
Results: Faun Drome Classic
