Matteo Jorgenson, a prominent American cyclist, has opted to re-evaluate his career path, temporarily setting aside his ambitions for overall victory in Grand Tours. Instead, his immediate goal is to clinch a Monument title, with a strong focus on the prestigious Liège-Bastogne-Liège race. This strategic recalibration stems from a desire to align his racing calendar with his preferred strengths and personal aspirations, a decision made in collaboration with his team, Visma-Lease a Bike.
Jorgenson Repositions Career Focus for Monument Success
In a significant shift for the 26-year-old athlete, Matteo Jorgenson, a key rider for Visma-Lease a Bike, is redirecting his competitive focus. After securing a substantial contract extension last summer, which initially positioned him as a future Grand Tour leader, Jorgenson has now decided to prioritize one-day classics, particularly aiming for his first Monument victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. This means he will forgo the cobbled Classics and Paris-Nice, a race he has won twice, to undertake altitude training in preparation for the challenging Ardennes races in late April. Speaking at Visma’s media day in eastern Spain, Jorgenson expressed his keen interest in the Ardennes, noting that the longer climbs suit his abilities more than the Flemish routes. While he will continue to serve as a crucial support rider for Jonas Vingegaard in the Tour de France, his individual objectives for 2026 are firmly set on these demanding one-day events. Beyond the Tour, Jorgenson eyes the Montreal-held World Championships in September and the season's closing Monument, Il Lombardia, with a confident outlook on securing at least one Monument win. This change in calendar, he revealed, was a result of productive discussions with team management, who demonstrated a willingness to accommodate rider preferences, enabling him to tailor his season for optimal performance in his chosen races. Grand Tour leadership remains a long-term aspiration, which he believes will be explored within his current four-year contract.
Jorgenson's decision highlights a growing trend in professional cycling where riders, in consultation with their teams, are increasingly customizing their schedules to maximize their potential in specific race formats. This bespoke approach allows athletes to concentrate on events that best complement their physiological strengths and personal motivations, potentially leading to more specialized and impactful performances. It also underscores the importance of rider agency and communication within top-tier cycling teams, fostering an environment where individual goals can coexist with team objectives, ultimately enriching the sport's competitive landscape.