"These big shoulders will have a hard time in the mountains but I'll do my best" - Matteo Jorgenson stays in GC contention at the Dauphine with solid ITT

Proving himself the strongest of Team Visma | Lease a Bike's dual pronged general classification challenge at the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine, Matteo Jorgenson sits 3rd overall after the stage 4 individual time-trial.

"I suffered enormously and did my utmost," Jorgenson told In de Leiderstrui, among others, after stopping the clock with the 4th fastest time, 1:08 down on stage winner Remco Evenepoel. "I didn't really pay attention to my numbers along the way, but mainly relied on my feelings. Because of the length it was a long struggle, but I think I rode a good ride."

Although the American isn't renowned as an expert against the clock, Jorgenson's efforts in this individual time-trial continue to show the improvement of the 24-year-old ever since leaving Movistar Team for Team Visma | Lease a Bike over the most recent winter off-season. After victories already this year at Dwars door Vlaanderen and Paris-Nice, Jorgenson is not outperforming compatriot and teammate Sepp Kuss (currently sits 45th overall at 3:35 down on Remco Evenepoel ed.) at the Criterium du Dauphine.

“I divided time-trial into sections,” Jorgenson reflects on his efforts. "You had the first, flat part. That was pretty simple, just riding around your heart rate point. Then there was a more technical section, where I was a bit more conservative and could take some rest in the descents. Then it was constant false flat to the finish. That was just a matter of suffering."

"I feel good. I had a good training camp. Next weekend: Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be really tough. These big shoulders are going to be tough in the mountains," Jorgenson concludes, casting an eye towards the remainder of the week and jovially poking fun at his larger weight in comparison to his climbing rivals. "But I'm going to do my best."