In the 26th edition of the Faun-Ardèche Classic, eight riders went on the attack early on. The breakaway riders built up a lead of more than two minutes, but played no significant role in the demanding finale.

On the Mur de Roy, the decisive climb of the day, the race opened up. Jorgenson showed great strength by riding away together with Paul Seixas. The Frenchman eventually managed to drop the American. Jorgenson crossed the line in fourth place, Piganzoli in sixth.

“I look back with satisfaction on the race we rode,” said race director Frans Maassen. “Matteo, Davide and Ben rode a very strong race. Compliments as well to Tim Rex, who did a tremendous amount of work. Unfortunately, one rider was by far the strongest today, but we can be satisfied with the way we raced.”

Tomorrow, the Faun-Drôme Classic concludes the French double-header. “Tomorrow we want to go for another good result. It will be another tough day, but with the level the guys showed today, I’m confident we can achieve another strong result.”