Ambitious Jorgenson kicks off Ardennes campaign at Amstel Gold Race
# Jorgenson Sets Sights on Victory as Amstel Gold Race Approaches
This Sunday, Maastricht will launch the 60th edition of the Amstel Gold Race, a monumental event spanning 260 kilometers and featuring 33 challenging climbs before reaching the finish in Valkenburg. Leading the charge for Team Visma | Lease a Bike is Matteo Jorgenson, a 26-year-old American cyclist poised to make a significant impact as he debuts a new approach this spring, focusing solely on the prestigious Ardennes Classics.
“I’ve been building toward this period for a long time, and I’m happy it’s finally here,” Jorgenson expressed, highlighting his excitement for the race. He elaborated, “The Amstel Gold Race is a challenging but beautiful classic. My spring has gone flawlessly so far, and I feel good. Right now, I’m exactly where I want to be. My goal was to start the Ardennes Classics in good shape and in good health, and I’ve achieved that.”
With a revised race calendar that included Italian competitions, Jorgenson believes he has gained valuable experience that will serve him well in these pivotal races. “That new approach…gave me a fresh boost. I’ve gained new experiences that I can carry into these important races,” he noted.
The intensity of the Amstel Gold Race, where climbs come consecutively, aligns well with Jorgenson’s strengths. “It’s the kind of race that suits riders like me, where I can show my strengths,” he said. The team’s morale is also high with their shared ambition of aiming for a win.
Team director Frans Maassen, who claimed victory in this race back in 1991, is equally enthusiastic about their chances. “We have a team capable of competing for the win,” he stated. Maassen also recognized Jorgenson’s preparation and motivation, emphasizing the strong support he will have from his teammates. However, he acknowledged concerns regarding Ben Tulett’s recovery from his recent crash in the Itzulia Basque Country, noting that Tulett’s performance could be pivotal due to the race’s demanding terrain.
As the team gears up for this iconic Dutch classic, all eyes will be on Jorgenson, as he aims to turn his ambitions into reality and make a lasting mark on the Amstel Gold Race.
