Blow for Matteo Jorgenson as illness in Visma-Lease a Bike camp leaves him with just three teammates at Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Visma-Lease a Bike has suffered a significant setback at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes as illness has forced two of its riders, Jørgen Nordhagen and Per Strand Hagenes, to withdraw ahead of stage seven. This follows the earlier departure of star rider Wout van Aert, leaving the team severely depleted with just four riders remaining. The news is particularly damaging for the team’s US leader, Matteo Jorgenson, who is targeting a podium finish in the race’s demanding mountain finale. Nordhagen, a promising 21-year-old Norwegian climber, had been a key support for Jorgenson during the previous mountain stage, finishing closely behind him and ahead of several general classification contenders. His absence, alongside that of Hagenes, a noted Classics specialist, leaves Jorgenson isolated in the mountains without his closest allies. The illness appears to be part of a broader outbreak affecting multiple teams, with Movistar also reporting several riders sidelined due to flu-like symptoms. Despite the challenges, Visma-Lease a Bike still has three teammates to support Jorgenson: British puncheur Ben Tullett, Italian rouleur Edoardo Affini, and French all-rounder Bruno Armirail. Armirail, who has risen to second overall following a successful breakaway, presents an intriguing option for the team’s tactics. Although not a pure climber, Armirail acknowledges the difficulty of the upcoming stages but insists that Jorgenson remains the team’s priority for the general classification. The race is set to intensify with a double ascent of the Grand Colombier on Saturday, followed by a grueling four-mountain finale on Sunday. These stages will test the remaining Visma riders’ resilience and strategy as they attempt to protect Jorgenson’s podium hopes. The team’s reduced numbers and the illness outbreak add an extra layer of complexity to what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.