Romain Bardet
The Sigma Sports Cafe Ride
The episode goes live at 12pm BST on Thursday 30th July, only on the Sigma Sports YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe to avoid missing out.
Matt Stephens is in Auvergne for a Sigma Sports Café Ride with one of France’s most beloved riders. Romain Bardet may be best known for his podium finishes at the Tour de France and his relentless attacking style, but to many fans he represents something deeper; a rider who remained fiercely loyal to his roots and raced with a distinctly old-school sense of panache. One year on from the final race of his professional career, Matt joins Romain on the roads that shaped him, in the region he still proudly calls home.
This is a region that bottles its volcanic water into Volvic, produces some of France’s finest cheeses from its rolling pastures, and ferments its ancient slopes to produce the wines of the Côtes d'Auvergne. Raised in the shadow of the Puy de Dôme, it seems the Auvergne has also produced a distinctly regional specimen in Romain Bardet (AOC). Against a spectacular backdrop, the pair enjoy a free-flowing conversation that reflects on Romain’s retirement from pro cycling, his next steps as Sports Manager at Decathlon CMA CGM, and the importance of good wine and cheese, naturally.
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The Route
A first visit to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region for the Sigma Sports Cafe Ride series didn't disappoint. The long time home of Romain, although less than 30 kilometres in length, this loop had plenty of spicy additions, including the spectacular climb of Banne d'Ordanche to finish.
Visiting the spa town of La Bourboule, Matt and Romain tucked into a delightfully French lunch, at the Cafe de la Poste.
Although not on route, the addition of a visit to Vin No Control, an organic winery in the town of Volvic was a welcome stop for some essential hydration.
The Bike
One of the most exciting road bikes to hit the marketing in 2026, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 is the pinnacle of performance.
Matt's machine was equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, Roval CLX III wheels and a Roval cockpit, ideal for the undulating terrain in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Kit
The heat really was on for Matt on this episode, with the temperature hitting figures of over 40 degrees Celsius. Thankfully his Rapha clothing kept him both feeling and looking cool, with the Pro Team being the collection of choice. The Rapha Pro Team Jersey II paired with the Rapha Team Bib Shorts III were a fine combination, boasting breathable and premium fabrics.
Finishing off the look Rapha Pro Team Socks looked the part alongside the Lake CX400 Road Cycling Shoes. Up top and the Specialized S-Works Evade 4 Helmet and Alba Optics Mantra Sunglasses kept Matt safe and his vision clear.
Want to explore the series? Find out about the other Sigma Sports Cafe Ride guests and watch all the episodes.