A Dream Takes Shape: Can Matteo Jorgenson Lead the Charge in a Grand Tour?
It's a question on everyone's mind: Could the unexpected retirement of cycling star Simon Yates open the door for Matteo Jorgenson to truly shine in a Grand Tour? This is the buzz around the cycling world, and for good reason.
With Yates' sudden departure from Visma-Lease a Bike, a significant gap has opened up within the team. Yates, who dramatically won the 2025 Giro d'Italia with a stunning attack, was expected to contend for more Grand Tour victories. But his decision to retire has changed the game.
Jorgenson, a versatile rider, might now get his chance to step up. "Grand Tours, for me are the biggest races in cycling," he shared in a recent interview. "I really don’t know if it’s possible, and that kind of weighs on my mind. But I’m told by the performance team and people around me that they think it is possible and they believe in it. So that helps me believe.”
Up until now, Jorgenson hasn't fully showcased his potential in these three-week races. He's been a key support rider for Jonas Vingegaard in past Tours and the Vuelta a España, even securing a tenth-place finish in the latter. His eighth-place finish in the 2024 Tour further proves his abilities.
But here's where it gets controversial... the biggest hint of Jorgenson's potential is his two Paris-Nice victories in 2024 and 2025. In his first win, he defeated Remco Evenepoel, a rider many predict will win the Tour, by a significant margin. At only 25 years old, Evenepoel has time on his side, but so does Jorgenson, who is only six months older.
The Sacrifices of a Cyclist
Jorgenson's move to Visma-Lease a Bike in 2024 marked a turning point, leading to career-best results and earning the team's trust. He signed a new four-year deal in 2025, but it wasn't an easy decision. He admitted it took time to commit, highlighting the sacrifices required in professional cycling.
"I needed to feel sustainable in this job, that I could do it at this level for four more years before I signed a piece of paper that was committing myself to doing that. And so it took me a long time to actually agree to my extension," Jorgenson explained. This commitment allows him to fully dedicate himself to his goals.
Aiming for a Grand Tour: A Dream Realized
Jorgenson, a professional since 2020, acknowledges that progress isn't always linear. He played crucial roles in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, supporting Vingegaard. With Vingegaard potentially targeting the Giro d'Italia-Tour de France double in 2026, Jorgenson may be called upon to support him in the Tour. However, Yates' retirement could change the team's strategy.
With Yates out, Jorgenson and fellow American Sepp Kuss could become the primary contenders for the Vuelta. Kuss won the event in 2023, but hasn't reached the same form since. If Vingegaard skips the Vuelta, it would open the door for either or both of the American riders to pursue high ambitions in Spain.
"I think in the future, I would like to do one [for GC]," Jorgenson said in the interview. "I don’t know if it’ll be this year or when, but I would like to try to do one as a leader. It might never work out, but I think it would be nice to try. And it is a dream, for sure."
A Golden Opportunity?
Jorgenson sees 2025 as a reality check, with strong performances mixed with inconsistent results. He's relying on the team's support and his own physiological capabilities to improve. While he's hesitant about his 2026 goals, he's focused on winning big races.
"Right now, my goals are to remain at my level and try to win big races. Whatever that means," he said. "I think I would love to try to win a one day World Tour race this year. Like, to do that again [he won the Dwars door Vlaanderen in 2024 – ed.]." His new long-term contract provides the stability he needs to pursue his goals.
The Ultimate Goal: Tour de France Glory
Winning a Grand Tour is a major focus, but Jorgenson has another, equally important goal: "I want to win a stage of the Tour de France," he said. He came close in 2024, finishing second, which only fuels his desire. With Vingegaard as the team leader, Jorgenson knows he needs the right circumstances to succeed.
"On this team, we’re there for Jonas. And I will be there to help him," he said. "And so you really need stars aligned where you’re healthy, he’s in a secure enough position, and there’s a stage that suits you. And you get in the breakaway for those things to come together."
What do you think? Can Jorgenson rise to the occasion and become a Grand Tour contender? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
