Jorgenson and Van Aert lead Team Visma | Lease a Bike in Tirreno-Adriatico
One Italian race has barely ended and the next one is already upon us. After Strade Bianche, Team Visma | Lease a Bike will participate in Tirreno-Adriatico from 9 to 15 March. The Dutch team has high ambitions and is aiming for success in both the general classification and the individual stages. Matteo Jorgenson, Wout van Aert and sports director Jesper Mørkøv look ahead.
The 61st edition of the Race of the Two Seas starts on Monday, as usual, with an individual time trial in Lido de Camaiore. In the 11.5-kilometer race against the clock, it is immediately important for the GC contenders not to lose any valuable time. The second stage has a slight Strade Bianche aspect, as the final kilometers are on a gravel section.
The third and fourth stages offer opportunities for sprinters, and later in the week it will be up to the GC contenders to determine who will be the overall winner. Jorgenson has been named Team Visma | Lease a Bike's leader. The American has been successful in Paris-Nice for the past two years and will be competing in the Italian multi-day race for the first time in five years.
"In the winter, I didn't think I would be in such good shape already."
"It's strange to not ride Paris-Nice, but that doesn't take away from the fact that I'm really looking forward to Tirreno-Adriatico. It's nice to do something different and see other parts of the world", said Jorgenson, who has already achieved several podium places this season. "In the winter, I didn't think I would be in such good shape already. It's nice to be able to start the season like this."
After a fourth place in the Faun Ardèche Classic, a second place in the Faun Drôme Classic and an eighth place in Strade Bianche, Jorgenson is confident at the start of Tirreno. "We'll have to be alert right away this week. Tomorrow's time trial and the gravel finish in the second stage will certainly cause some changes in the general classification. Furthermore, the fifth and sixth stages will be crucial for the general classification."
Sports director Mørkøv explains what the objectives are for this week. "We are aiming for at least one stage victory and want Matteo to achieve a good classification. Matteo has had a number of good races, is highly motivated and will do everything he can to achieve a good result."
Van Aert, who made a strong impression in Strade Bianche on Saturday, has been given a free role. "Wout has his sights set on a stage win. He has circled the second stage in red, but he also wants to be in contention for stage wins in the stages after that", Mørkøv says.
"I will choose my days over the coming week to go for a result."
For the Belgian, Tirreno-Adriatico is all about getting into race rhythm with a view to the spring classics. "Tirreno-Adriatico is an important race for my build-up, especially after everything that has happened. I will choose my days over the coming week to go for a result. I will also try to help Matteo achieve a good classification. He is in good shape and, after winning Paris-Nice twice, it is a nice challenge to go for a good classification here."
