De Longhi, Brookes, and Lajarin Rojas: 2026 Trainee Riders

Taking on interns is an important part of a team’s season. Jean-Luc Jonrond explains: “The goal is to scout young talent. That’s the policy we’ve implemented with Raphaël Jeune and my fellow sports directors and coaches.” As a result, three young talents will once again be joining the roster this season. Our sports director introduces them.

“Alberto is Spanish, born in 2006, and the same age as Paul Seixas. He comes from the Equipo Finisher – Kern Pharma development team. He’s a relatively well-rounded rider who posts strong time trial results—he just finished second in the Spanish U23 time trial championship. He’s comfortable on all types of terrain. He’s a rider worth watching,  especially with an eye toward bringing him into the team—that’s the goal. Maybe not in 2027, but at least in 2028—why not? That’s the objective.”

“Lorenzo is Italian and was also born in 2006. He’s a sprinter. Notably, he finished in the top 10 twice at the Tour of Hungary in the Pro Series category: 8th in the first stage and 5th in the third. We saw him in action at that Tour of Hungary, and Roberto Damiani had mentioned him to us as well. ”

“Joseph is English; he comes from AVC Aix-Provence Dole, with whom we’ve always had a good relationship. He’s a little older—born in 2004—and will turn 22 on September 14. He’s a sprinter-puncher. I say ‘puncher’ because he handles hills and hilly sections relatively well, and he has a nice burst of speed. Not long ago, he won Stage 2 of the Tour du Beaujolais in Cours-la-Ville, a course known for not being flat.”