St Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93 have strengthened their 2026 roster with the signing of American rider Heidi Franz, adding experience and an attacking option to the French Women’s ProTeam. Franz arrives after several seasons racing at UCI level across Europe and North America, and brings with her a reputation as a committed team rider who is also willing to take responsibility when opportunities arise.
The move follows a solid 2025 campaign with Cynisca Cycling, during which Franz continued to show her value in stage racing. Her win on stage 2 of the Volta a Portugal Feminina stood out as a reward for persistent, aggressive racing and confirmed her ability to influence races over multiple days. It was the latest success in a career that has been built steadily rather than quickly, with Franz establishing herself as a reliable presence in demanding race scenarios.
“I consider myself to be so, very lucky to be joining this amazing team, one with so much history, potential, strength, and professionalism,” Franz said. “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.”
Franz has been part of the women’s professional peloton since 2018, spending several seasons with Rally Cycling before moving through teams such as Lifeplus Wahoo and, most recently, Cynisca Cycling. Across that period, she has often been trusted with a mix of roles, supporting team leaders while also being given freedom in races that suited her characteristics. Her previous victories at the Egmont Cycling Race in 2023 and stages of the Joe Martin Stage Race and Tour of the Gila underline a rider who thrives when races are hard and selective rather than controlled from start to finish.
From the team’s perspective, Franz is seen as a rider who strengthens both the tactical depth and collective mentality of the squad. Sporting director Roxane Fournier highlighted how her profile fits neatly with the direction St Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93 continue to pursue.
“We are very happy to welcome Heidi to our team for the 2026 season,” Fournier said. “Her attacking and team-oriented mindset fits perfectly with the values of the team. She will be a major additional asset to support our leaders in the biggest races on the calendar, while also having the opportunity to seize her own chances in races that suit her.”
Photo Credit: PelotonBriefFournier also pointed to the importance of stability and structure in helping riders perform consistently. “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 fulfilment.”
For Franz, the move to a French-based outfit with a long-standing presence in the women’s peloton represents both a step forward and a chance to consolidate years of experience at the highest level. For St Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93, her arrival adds a rider capable of animating races, protecting team leaders deep into finales, and contributing to a collective approach that values aggression and commitment across the season.
