“Never Would Have Believed”: Matteo Jorgenson Defies Expectations by Winning Paris-Nice Title Over Elite Belgian Competitor

It had been nearly sixteen years since an American cyclist last claimed the overall victory at Paris-Nice. But 24-year-old Matteo Jorgenson broke this norm by winning this race. He is a member of the Visma-Lease team and a resident of Nice, achieving the pinnacle of his cycling career. This triumph marked a significant milestone for Jorgenson, who had previously secured a notable win at the Tour of Oman the year before.

He withstood a relentless assault from a Belgian seasoned competitor, yet Jorgenson remained resolute. Amidst the ferocity of the competition, his resolve remained unyielding, propelling him to exceed even his loftiest expectations and clinch a historic victory. Contemplating his triumph, Jorgenson confessed to feeling disbelief, as it was impossible to defeat one of the most talented cyclists. He acknowledged, “I was so nervous and, yeah, I felt for the first time in my life pressure.” Who exactly was this Belgian phenom who gave Jorgenson such stiff competition?

Matteo Jorgenson’s cycle spokes do the talking

Matteo Jorgenson’s victory at Paris-Nice marked a significant milestone in American men’s road cycling, as he became the third American to claim this prestigious title. Accompanied by compatriot Brandon McNulty’s third-place finish, the duo etched their names into U.S. cycling history with a landmark podium achievement. In the last stage of Paris-Nice on Sunday, Matteo Jorgenson narrowly beat Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel in a sprint to the finish line. Despite their close battle, both finished at the same time of 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 3 seconds.

Jorgenson said, “Until this year, I never would have believed that this was possible.” Overall, Jorgenson finished 30 seconds ahead of Evenepoel and nearly two minutes ahead of his friend McNulty. However, Jorgenson’s journey thus far hasn’t been without its challenges.

Triumphs, crashes, and unforgettable moments of grit!

Matteo Jorgenson showcased his prowess during the 2022 Tour de France with a string of dynamic performances. Throughout the race, he emerged as a prominent figure in various breakaway attempts, notably during stages 10 and 16. However, his tenacity faced a significant test during stage 16 when, while vigorously pursuing the lead rider Hugo Houle, he encountered a sudden crash while negotiating a sharp bend. Remarkably, despite this setback, Jorgenson exhibited remarkable resilience, pushing through the adversity to secure an impressive fourth-place finish on the stage.

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In the subsequent edition of the Tour de France in 2023, Jorgenson once again demonstrated his competitive spirit. During stage 9, he became a pivotal part of a 14-man breakaway effort. As the stage unfolded, with approximately 47 kilometres remaining, Jorgenson surged ahead from the breakaway group, seizing control of the stage and dominating the challenging climb up the Puy de Dome.

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