Jorgenson looks ahead to 2026 with a fresh perspective
Matteo Jorgenson is setting his sights high for 2026. The 26-year-old American has established himself as a key rider in both the classics and the grand tours during his first two seasons with Team Visma | Lease a Bike. The coming season will bring new challenges for Jorgenson, as we look ahead to 2026 together with him.
“I’ve got a lot of energy to start the new season,” Jorgenson begins. “Together with the team, I’ve adjusted my calendar slightly compared to my first two seasons here. I’ve set new goals for myself, and the team fully supports me in that.”
Liège–Bastogne–Liège is already circled in red on Jorgenson’s calendar. In recent years, the American has made his mark in the Flemish classics, but in 2026 his focus will shift clearly towards the Ardennes.
"Ideally, I'd like to ride all the spring classics, but you have to make choices"
“In 2026 I’ll skip a few of the Flemish races and focus more on the hilly classics. Ideally, I’d like to ride all the spring classics, but if you really want to perform well in the Ardennes, you have to make choices. One of my main goals in the spring is Liège–Bastogne–Liège, a race I’m hugely excited about. I feel that this type of race, with longer climbs, suits me better. I’m setting the bar high, and that makes it a great challenge.”
A regular fixture in Jorgenson’s programme until now has been Paris–Nice. However, the Californian, who lives and trains in Nice, has decided not to ride his home race this year. The winner of the past two editions will not be defending his title.
“At first, I was hesitant when the idea of skipping Paris–Nice was raised, but with my goals later in the season in mind, this is the right decision. That’s why I’ve chosen to race the Italian block this year, with Strade Bianche, Tirreno–Adriatico and Milan–San Remo.”
"The Tour is always the highlight of my season"
After a busy spring, Jorgenson turns his attention to the Tour de France. In the build-up to the Tour, he will be given the freedom to ride for his own result at the Tour de Suisse. “The Tour is always the highlight of my season. I’ll do everything I can to be in top form and to support Jonas Vingegaard as best as possible. Before that, I’ll start in the Tour de Suisse. That’s a deliberate choice by the team. It’s an ideal opportunity to race as a leader for the general classification once again, something that really motivates me.”
“The past two seasons were almost identical for me, so a change was welcome,” Jorgenson concludes. “The coming year brings new impulses and challenges. It felt like the right moment to try something new, and I’m really looking forward to it.*
