After joining the team in 2021, Romain has continued to build up an illustrious palmarès that includes three Tour de France stage wins and two GC podium finishes, while more recently achieving top tens on GC at the Tour and Giro d’Italia with the team: plus taking the overall crown at the Tour of the Alps and a stage win at the Vuelta a España.
Falling in love with the sport from a young age, Romain wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, who himself raced at a regional level in France. At the age of ten, he got a race license and never looked back. Immersing himself fully in cycling, Romain loves the competitive side of racing but also enjoys the simple beauty of being able to go out and ride his bike amongst the hills where his childhood heroes raced.
As someone who has now been a professional for over ten years, Romain still finds motivation in all things cycling.
“I find enjoyment not only in training itself and the competition against the other riders, but I also like that you can combine it with the simple pleasure of being outside, doing sports and feeling great.”
With that approach and mindset then it comes as no surprise that Romain would label himself a bit of a “hedonist”, someone who is “determined” and has a “flexible” outlook. Using his vast experience as a rider, he is often looked up to by those around him for advice and how to conduct himself, with Romain liking to take the lead by example approach.
“I think with your daily behavior you can have impact people and try to show how it must be – being nice and calm, whatever happens. I want to be a reliable teammate before being a leader.”
A reflective person, Romain takes great pride in what he has accomplished so far but he still tries to “push his limits every day” and take the most out of every moment he can. Looking back to his younger self he has some advice and wisdom that any young athlete or person can take on board.
“Keep it simple, don’t over think, just enjoy what you do. For sure, if you have the dedication, and you work hard enough, you don’t have to even think about it. It will just happen; but you also must enjoy the moment, because time flies.”
With his infectious and down-to-earth personality, Romain’s humility allows him to get on with almost whoever he meets. Away from the sport the certified sommelier can be found honing his craft, piquing his interests in geopolitics or enjoying the simple pleasures in life, such as a hike through the local hills with his family.
