“We need to make up for that” – Matteo Jorgenson and Visma already plotting Tirreno-Adriatico response after opening time trial setback

Matteo Jorgenson admitted he had hoped for more from the opening stage of Tirreno-Adriatico 2026 after the Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider conceded time to several of his main rivals in the traditional time trial in Lido di Camaiore.

The American finished outside the very top times in the fast 11.5-kilometre coastal test, a stage ultimately dominated by Filippo Ganna. While the Italian stormed to victory with a blistering ride, Jorgenson’s effort left him with time to make up if he wants to fight for the overall classification later in the week.

Despite that, the Visma camp emerged from the stage convinced that the race is far from decided. “I had hoped for a better time,” Jorgenson said afterwards in comments released by Team Visma | Lease a Bike. “Fortunately, my legs felt good. I know my form is solid right now, and I was able to keep the time lost to my competitors to a minimum.”

The opening time trial has long been a defining moment in Tirreno-Adriatico, immediately establishing the first meaningful differences in the general classification. With the course in Lido di Camaiore offering a pure test of power over flat terrain, specialists such as Ganna often gain significant advantages before the race moves into more selective road stages.

For Jorgenson, however, the priority was ensuring the damage remained manageable rather than delivering the outright fastest ride.

Team director Jesper Morkov struck a similar tone after the stage, acknowledging that the team will now need to take the initiative as the race progresses. “It’s a good start to the week,” Morkov said in the same team communication. “Matteo lost a little time to some of his rivals, and we need to make up for that over the coming days.”

The Dane nevertheless expressed confidence that the American remains well placed to challenge during the rest of the race. “But I’m confident that Matteo can do it.”

That outlook reflects the nature of this year’s Tirreno-Adriatico route, which lacks major summit finishes but features several stages likely to reward aggressive racing and tactical opportunism.

With multiple selective stages still to come before the race reaches San Benedetto del Tronto, Visma are already preparing to turn the pressure back onto their rivals as the week unfolds.