Matteo Jorgenson is taking a partly different approach in 2026. The 26-year-old American grew into a key rider in both the cobbled classics and grand tours during his first two seasons with Visma | Lease a Bike, but the upcoming season will also focus on new challenges.
Jorgenson will skip the cobbled classics this year: in 2026, his focus will clearly shift to the Ardennes. “This year I’m skipping the Flemish races and focusing more on the hill classics. Ideally, I would race all the spring classics, but to really excel in the Ardennes you have to make choices.”
Liège-Bastogne-Liège is already marked in red on Jorgenson’s calendar. “One of my main goals in spring is Liège-Bastogne-Liège, a race I’m really looking forward to. I feel that races of this type, with longer climbs, suit me better. I’m setting the bar high. That makes it an exciting challenge.”
No Paris-Nice either
Also notable: Jorgenson has chosen not to race his favorite Paris-Nice this year. The winner of the last two editions will therefore not defend his title. “Initially, I was hesitant when the idea was suggested, but with my goals later in the season in mind, this is the right choice. That’s why I’m opting for the Italian block this year, with Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, and Milan-San Remo.”
Jorgenson will support Vingegaard at the Tour - photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
After a busy spring, Jorgenson will focus on the Tour de France, where he will ride in support of Jonas Vingegaard. Ahead of the Tour, he will have the opportunity to ride for his own chances at the Tour de Suisse. “This is a deliberate team decision. It’s an ideal opportunity to compete as a team leader for the overall classification again, something that really motivates me.”
“Change was welcome”
“The past two seasons went almost identically for me, so change was welcome. The coming year will bring new stimuli and challenges. It felt like the right moment to try something new, and I am really looking forward to it,” Jorgenson concludes.
Matteo Jorgenson| Race | Date |
|---|---|
 Faun-Ardèche Classic | 28 Feb |
| Faun Drome Classic | 1 Mar |
 Strade Bianche | 7 Mar |
| Tirreno-Adriatico | 9 Mar - 15 Mar |
| Milano-Sanremo | 21 Mar |
 Amstel Gold Race | 19 Apr |
 La Flèche Wallonne | 22 Apr |
| Liège-Bastogne-Liège | 26 Apr |
 Tour de Suisse | 17 Jun - 21 Jun |
| Tour de France | 4 Jul - 26 Jul |
| Il Lombardia | 10 Oct |
