"Today I'm back where I belong" - Matteo Jorgenson and Visma get a much needed moral boost in mountain time trial

Matteo Jorgenson had a horrible day on the Hautacam stage, falling out of the favorites' group on every climb and losing a lot of time at the end. Basically giving up all his podium chances.

During the mountain time trial to Peryagudes day later, he already felt better. The American showed he still has legs to be able to continue helping Jonas Vingegaard and that has given him a better feeling for the remaining high mountains in the Grande Boucle.

This is what he told Eurosport after his time trial:

"I wanted to test myself, to get back in the fight after yesterday, I was disappointed, in a way like I had given up, I had a really bad day yesterday from the start. I wanted to see that I had good legs still, I wanted to test myself against these guys to see where I was and I think today I got back to where I belong, not fighting for the podium or anything, it was a good test."

He commented on why he chose to ride on a road bike and not a time trial special: "I feel more comfortable, I admire those who can ride coupled on a climb like this," he referred to the likes of Florian Lipowitz who went for the other option.

Thus, the Visma | Lease a Bike rider was sixth fastest on the course today, just over 2 minutes behind Tadej Pogacar. In terms of general classification, this performance doesn't really move a needle for the American who remains tenth overall, 14 minutes behind the Slovenian.

But the moral boost from this time trial could prove vital for the rest of Jorgenson's Tour. With such distance of the overall leader, he can aspire to tag along with some breakaways and, of course, he'll still have team duties as Jonas Vingegaard seems well on his way to be the closest challenger of Pogacar in this race.