Matteo Jorgenson writes the first page in the GC-rider chapter of his career at Faun-Ardeche Classic

The cycling season in France continues with a pair of one-day races in the Ardeche region as riders reminisce about the 2025 European Championships won by Tadej Pogacar. However the Team Visma | Lease a Bike will rely on debutant Matteo Jorgenson for the Faun-Ardéche Classic and Drome Classic this weekend.

It's a change of habits for Jorgenson, who would traditionally kick off his season with the "Opening Weekend" races further north in Belgium; the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne, as the 26-year-old would always mix GC battles with cobbled classics in the past.

However, in 2026 we're being introduced to a new Matteo Jorgenson who no longer distributes his focus between multiple areas. The tall American has finally made up his mind to become Visma's GC leader, seeking an opportunity for leadership at a Grand Tour. Not a far-fetched ambition as Jorgenson reached a top-10 twice whilst riding for a teammate (8th at the 2024 Tour de France and 10th at the 2025 Vuelta a Espana).

That role of his won't yet change this year as he's projected to ride alongside Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour de France, but without Simon Yates among Visma's ranks, Jorgenson might be already preparing a leadership bid for his 2027 campaign.

But back to present, Jorgenson looks towards two exciting one-day races in south France. With a stacked startlist and undulating parcours, we're to witness a great battle for the throne of 2025 champion Romain Grégoire.

Although Jorgenson can be expected to start as a leader, Visma brings more than one card to this race. Alongside the American, the 24-year-old Ben Tulett will look for his own opportunity as a podium finisher from last year's Drome Classic. Newcomers Louis Barré and Davide Piganzoli are not without a chance at a respectable result either. The team lineup is completed by young trio; Will Smith, Tim Rex and Anton Schiffer.