American rider eyes bigger challenges after back-to-back victories at Paris-Nice
Matteo Jorgenson has made it clear: the sky’s the limit. Following his second consecutive overall victory at Paris-Nice, the 24-year-old American cyclist has set his sights on future Grand Tour success.
Jorgenson, racing for Visma-Lease a Bike, capped off a dominant week of racing with a commanding performance on the final stage. After launching a decisive attack on the slopes of Col d’Èze, the Idaho native controlled the race and finished strongly, earning the yellow jersey. Though he couldn’t quite close the gap to fellow American Magnus Sheffield, who secured his first WorldTour victory, Jorgenson’s efforts were met with admiration from teammates and competitors alike.
The final day of the race marked a celebration of American talent, with Jorgenson and Sheffield sharing an emotional moment at the finish line, congratulating each other for making the race an all-American affair. Team staff and media gathered around the pair as they reflected on the milestone achievement.
While Jorgenson had previously downplayed the possibility of leading the team in the Tour de France after Jonas Vingegaard’s injury, his mindset shifted dramatically after his victory in Nice. Speaking to the press, Jorgenson admitted that targeting a Grand Tour victory was now a key goal in his career.
“It was something I’ve thought about a lot during the off-season,” Jorgenson said. “Last year, the team asked me if I wanted to lead in a Grand Tour, and now, it’s something I’m aiming for. I never thought I could win Paris-Nice, but now I’ve done it twice. It’s time to aim higher. I’m not sure I’m capable of winning a Grand Tour yet, but I want to try.”
Jorgenson’s journey to victory in Paris-Nice wasn’t without its twists. Initially, he was asked by team management to target Tirreno-Adriatico. However, after some reflection, he made it clear to his team that Paris-Nice was where his heart was set.
“I spoke with Grischa [Niermann, Head of Racing] and explained that Tirreno didn’t inspire me the same way Paris-Nice did. I wasn’t motivated to train for Tirreno, so I asked if I could race here instead. Luckily, they agreed,” Jorgenson said.
Frans Maasens, Jorgenson’s sports director at Visma-Lease a Bike, was visibly thrilled by the outcome. Maasens, who was congratulated by staff from other teams at the finish line, reflected on Jorgenson’s outstanding performance and the implications for his future in the sport.
“Matteo has proven he’s one of the best riders in the world,” Maasens said. “He’s shown his abilities in the Tour and the Classics, and while we were disappointed by Jonas’s crash, it was clear Matteo was the best rider in the race this week. He’s got the talent to play a big role in Grand Tours, and while I’m not ready to say he’ll win the Tour de France, we’re going to see a lot more from him in the coming years.”
With a second Paris-Nice title under his belt and his confidence at an all-time high, Jorgenson is ready to take on the challenges of the biggest stage races in the world, with his eyes firmly fixed on a Grand Tour victory in the future.
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