'No excuses regarding Matteo' – home side Visma-Lease a Bike pinning hopes on Jorgenson for Amstel Gold Race

Visma-Lease a Bike is placing significant expectations on Matteo Jorgenson as he embarks on his first full campaign targeting the Ardennes Classics this spring, beginning with the Amstel Gold Race. After joining the team in 2024, Jorgenson has notably skipped the cobbled Classics this season to focus on training specifically for the hilly Ardennes races. With the absence of key riders like Wout van Aert, who is missing from Amstel Gold despite previous successes, and the departure of Tiesj Benoot, Visma-Lease a Bike is keen to build its Ardennes campaign around Jorgenson’s promising form. Head coach Mathieu Heijboer has expressed strong confidence in Jorgenson’s condition, highlighting that the American rider has experienced a smooth progression without setbacks and has fully recovered from altitude training. Heijboer emphasised that there are no reservations about Jorgenson’s fitness or readiness, suggesting that the Amstel Gold Race and the subsequent Ardennes Classics represent a crucial opportunity for the rider to deliver a strong finish to his spring season. This marks a strategic shift for the team, which is now prioritising the Ardennes over the cobbled races. Alongside Jorgenson, Visma-Lease a Bike will also rely on the support of Christophe Laporte and Ben Tulett, despite their limited experience in the Dutch Classic. Laporte, who finished fifth in Paris-Roubaix, has extended his Classics season to include Amstel, while Tulett is recovering from knee injuries but remains in good shape according to Heijboer. The coach praised Laporte’s ability to position well during the race and indicated that both riders will play important roles in supporting Jorgenson’s bid for victory. The competition at Amstel Gold remains fierce, with notable rivals including Remco Evenepoel, defending champion Mattias Skjelmose, and potentially Tom Pidcock, who won the race in 2024. Heijboer acknowledged the challenge posed by these top contenders, particularly highlighting the impact of riders like Tadej Pogačar when present. Despite the absence of van Aert and Pogačar, the race is expected to be highly competitive, and Visma-Lease a Bike’s renewed focus on the Ardennes Classics signals their ambition to make a significant impact in this prestigious part of the cycling calendar.