Heidi Franz, an American cycling sensation, has secured a spot on a French women's ProTeam for the 2026 season, marking a significant milestone in her career. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering her background and the competitive landscape of women's cycling.
In her ninth season as a professional, Heidi Franz leveraged her exceptional performance at the UCI Gravel World Championships to land a coveted contract. Her finish at the UCI Gravel World Championships was particularly notable, as she was one of only two top-15 finishers not riding for a UCI WorldTour or women's ProTeam. This achievement opened doors for her, leading to her latest opportunity.
Franz, who previously raced for Cynisca Cycling, a team that folded earlier this year, will now join St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93, a France-registered women's ProTeam. Her journey to this point has been a testament to her resilience and determination, as she navigates the challenges of the sport.
In the 2025 season, Franz raced as a co-leader for the American Continental Cynisca Cycling team, where she achieved notable successes. She won a stage at the Volta a Portugal Feminina and claimed the QOM jersey from the Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées. These accomplishments showcased her versatility and talent, solidifying her place in the cycling world.
In an Instagram post, Franz expressed her excitement about joining St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93, stating, "I consider myself to be so, very lucky to be joining this amazing team, one with so much history, potential, strength, and professionalism. For my whole career, I have aspired and worked hard to be part of a group like this one. It’s an incredible opportunity for me to continue my career, growing as a rider, while also sharing my experience. I can’t wait to race the biggest races in the world with this strong team and have some fun doing it!"
The team's directeur sportif, Roxane Fournier, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, "Heidi deserves to have a structure that allows her to express her full potential, and we are convinced that this is the ideal place for her development and full fulfillment."
This move marks a significant step forward for Franz, who is thrilled to step into the 2026 season with her new team. She shared on social media, "Thrilled to step into the 2026 season with the team. After an exciting transition from off-road to the European peloton in 2025, I’m eager to keep learning from the team and contribute to a group with big ambitions and an innovative culture. Looking forward to the year ahead!"
As the cycling world eagerly anticipates the 2026 season, Heidi Franz's journey serves as an inspiring example of how hard work and determination can lead to remarkable opportunities. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, and it will be fascinating to see how she continues to make her mark on the sport.
