Matteo Jorgenson's first week as a support rider for Jonas Vingegaard in the Tour de France has been a challenging one. The 27-year-old American, known for his strength in cold weather, struggled with the heat, which has been a persistent issue in this year's race. Despite his efforts, Jorgenson's legs didn't perform as expected, and he didn't play a significant role in the final stages of the explosive Stages 2 and 3.
Jorgenson's frustration is understandable, given the extreme temperatures, which have consistently exceeded 35 degrees Celsius in the first nine stages. He admitted, 'It's a tough Tour de France; I can't immediately recall a tougher edition. This is definitely the hottest one.'
The American's role in the team time trial on Day 1 was crucial, but his performance in the heat-affected stages was less than ideal. He explained, 'The heat has a really bad effect on me. I’ve always been more of a cold-weather rider.'
However, there's a silver lining. Jorgenson managed to conserve energy in the last few stages, which he believes is a positive sign for the second and third weeks. He stated, 'It’s a challenge to deal with, though I managed the last few stages better and was able to conserve some energy. I didn’t have to push myself as hard anymore, so that’s a good sign heading into the second and third weeks.'
Despite the initial setbacks, Jorgenson and Vingegaard remain optimistic about their chances of beating Tadej Pogačar. They believe that Vingegaard's strong performance and Pogačar's potential weaknesses could turn the tide in their favor. Jorgenson said, 'Jonas truly believes he can beat Tadej, and I appreciate that about him. We all believe in that, and it’s great to see.'
The Visma | Lease a Bike team's strategy, which involved powerful riders on the flats and a smooth transition to climbers like Sepp Kuss and Davide Piganzoli, seems to be working. Marc Reef, the future Head of Racing, emphasized that the stage win in Barcelona was the priority, and the plan to keep Vingegaard fresh has been successful. This strategy has allowed Vingegaard to stay competitive and maintain his position in the race.
As the Tour de France progresses, Jorgenson's role as a support rider will be crucial. His ability to manage the heat and conserve energy will be essential for the team's success. With the race heating up, Jorgenson and Vingegaard will need to stay focused and adapt to the challenges ahead. The American's determination and belief in the team's strategy will be key to their performance in the remaining stages.
