'Reality check' for Matteo Jorgenson in 2025: Visma American has new ambitions for next season

Visma | Lease a Bike didn't bring in any world-class riders last year, but it did secure a lot of quality with its contract extensions. For example, Matteo Jorgenson was tied to the team until 2029: through his team's communication channels , the American explains what he wants to achieve there.

Jorgeson switched to Visma | Lease a Bike in early 2024 after four years with Movistar, and he now agrees that he also had to get used to it. 'Before I joined the team, I was directly involved in all kinds of performance. I did my own nutrition, partially coached myself, did the logistics part and all the training camps.'

'It was kind of a scary thing to come to me a team that would cover everything and I had to let that sink in, which didn't take long in the end,' Jorgenson explained. As a result, his first races for the team went very well: he was part of the successful Opening Weekend in 2024, won Paris-Nice himself and then Dwars door Vlaanderen.

'The moment I won Paris-Nice for the first time, I completely surrendered to the team's approach. As a result, I have so much more time free for things I like to do and that is also part of the reason why I feel so comfortable with this team,' he explained his new commitment.

Jorgenson is a rider who can perform in all terrains, which, for a 26-year-old rider, begs the question: which way will you go? 'A big addition for the team is my versatility. I can contribute in many areas, from chaotic situations to the mountains.'

'If you had asked me about my goals 12 months ago, I would have said: win a grand tour. But last year I had a reality check: is that realistic?" said Jorgenson, who rode the Tour and Vuelta last year.

'Now my goal is to stay at this level and win big races,' he indicated his plan for 2026. 'My biggest goal is to win a race. And I don't mean a classification, but really crossing the line first with my arms in the air. Whether that's a stage in the Tour, a classic or a stage in a multi-day, I don't care.'

'I would love to win a one-day WorldTour race,' he says, emphasizing 2026. 'Because if I want to win a grand tour in the future, I need to move more in that direction. I now have four years to pave my path and go for that fully, but we still have to decide together with the team which way that will go.'

'Winning a stage in the Tour has motivated me all my life and that's something I really feel the hunger for, but at the same time you have to have that opportunity. The stars have to be right, especially with Jonas in the team. You have to create a situation where he is safe and yourself can take the chance.'