Amund Grøndahl Jansen at the end of his tether after four major surgeries: "If it doesn't work out now, I'll do something else"

Grøndahl Jansen made the move from Jumbo-Visma to BikeExchange in 2021, yet he hasn't been able to replicate his previous top-five performances in major WorldTour races from 2019. Despite participating in two Tour de France races with his new team, notable achievements have eluded him. "I've had a few tough years," he reflects. "I've faced numerous groin artery injuries. Over the past year, I've undergone surgery four times, which has been quite challenging. However, it seems that chapter is now behind me, and I'm seeing some improvement," he expresses hopefully.

He must remain optimistic, as he's reached his last resort. "My most recent surgery was in November in Genk. It appears to have gone well, and I'm able to cycle effectively now. Hopefully, that was the final one. If not, I won't pursue further surgeries and will consider alternative paths. Nevertheless, I'm hopeful for a positive outcome, allowing me to resume my career as a cyclist," Grøndahl Jansen shares.

During the Opening Weekend, he faced a significant test. Despite not being at his peak condition due to insufficient post-surgery training, he managed to finish both races, which he found encouraging. "Following my last surgery, my training wasn't adequate, making it challenging to stay competitive in such races. While I was able to finish and spent a considerable time in the peloton, I must acknowledge that my fitness wasn't sufficient to contend in the final stages. Overall, it wasn't a bad day. Considering I've spent more time on blood thinners than on the bike over the past year, and with only two months of training under my belt, realism is key," he reflects.

With Marianne Vos, another athlete returning from groin artery surgery, clinching victory in the women's race on Saturday, Grøndahl Jansen's journey was even more complex. "I had the injury on both sides, in both legs. It's a dreadful sensation. It feels as if the legs cease to pedal after a certain exertion or duration on the bike. When one leg was fine and the other still required surgery, I experienced the typical symptoms," he explains. "One leg would cease to function entirely, while the other would continue to function relatively normally. Cycling became excruciating, especially during consecutive days of riding."

The groin artery injury is prevalent among cyclists, but what exactly causes it? "It primarily stems from the posture on the bike, particularly if one is born with longer arteries or if the muscle flexion in the hip tugs on the arteries in a specific manner," elucidates the insightful Scandinavian. "This can elongate the arteries. Thus, it's essentially a combination of elongated arteries and one's seated position on the bike."

Looking ahead, 2024 holds significant importance for Grøndahl Jansen, as his contract with Jayco AlUla is set to expire. "My contract was renewed after the 2022 Tour, and I signed on for two more years. Now, I must prove that I deserve my spot. I'll give my best effort in every training session and race, and then we'll assess our progress," states the Norwegian, who served as Dylan Groenewegen's lead-out for several years. He maintains a realistic outlook regarding his role. "It's uncertain whether I'll resume a role in Dylan's sprint train, particularly after such a prolonged injury. I can only give my utmost effort, and that's precisely what I intend to do," concludes the amiable cyclist.