'That's extremely disappointing' – Matteo Jorgenson out of Ardennes Classics after fracturing collarbone at Amstel Gold Race

Matteo Jorgenson has been forced to withdraw from the Ardennes Classics after suffering a fractured collarbone in a crash during the Amstel Gold Race. The American rider, representing Visma-Lease a Bike, fell with 42 kilometres remaining when he slipped on a wet corner while following Kévin Vauquelin. At the time, Jorgenson was part of a select lead group alongside Remco Evenepoel, Mattias Skjelmose, and Huub Artz, but the fall abruptly ended his race and his hopes for the upcoming classics. Jorgenson had been targeting the Ardennes campaign, having skipped the cobbled Classics to focus on training and preparation for this series of races. His strong form was evident throughout the Amstel Gold Race, where he was well positioned in a nine-man breakaway during the final circuits in Valkenburg. The team’s plan was to be prominent over key climbs such as the Gulperberg and Kruisberg, and Jorgenson appeared fresh and capable of contesting the finale before the crash intervened. Visma-Lease a Bike’s sports director, Frans Maassen, expressed deep frustration at the outcome, highlighting the team’s solid performance and Jorgenson’s promising condition before the incident. Maassen described the crash as “extremely disappointing,” noting that the riders had done an excellent job keeping Jorgenson well placed throughout the race. Unfortunately, the injury means Jorgenson will miss both the Flèche Wallonne and Liège–Bastogne–Liège, two of the most prestigious Ardennes Classics. The crash also affected other riders, with Huub Artz caught out by the same corner, though Kévin Vauquelin was able to recover quickly. Meanwhile, Remco Evenepoel went on to claim victory in the Amstel Gold Race, adding a significant win to his career achievements. Jorgenson’s withdrawal is a setback for both the rider and his team, who had high hopes for a strong showing in the Ardennes after his promising start to the season.