18-year-old Nordhagen is 'next big thing' for Jumbo-Visma: "My VO2max and W/kg are quite impressive, that's for sure"

Jumbo-Visma might have Primoz Roglic (contract until 2025) and Jonas Vingegaard (contract until 2027) on board for the foreseeable future, but the Dutch team is already actively grooming the next generation. Eighteen-year-old Norwegian Jorgen Nordhagen is set to join the U23 team in 2024 and has secured a spot with the pro squad from 2025 through 2027. In the Leader's Jersey, we had the opportunity to extensively get to know this promising talent during his time in Scotland.

Nordhagen, who also engages in cross-country skiing during the winter, was considered one of the favorites for both the men's junior road race and time trial, but he ultimately returned home without any medals. This outcome is by no means a disappointment for the climbing specialist, as the nature of both the criterium-like road race and the power-oriented time trial course didn't align perfectly with his strengths. "You have no control over these factors, so it's all about making the most of the situation. I really aimed to perform well here; I put in a lot of effort in my preparation."

Despite the challenges, Nordhagen - whose slender build doesn't quite match the imagery of a bear or a Viking - fought valiantly. In the road race, he emerged as one of the riders animating the race, securing a sixth-place finish for himself and contributing to compatriot Felix Orn-Kristoff's third-place result (Orn-Kristoff is the half-brother of Uno-X pro Alexander). On the ascent to Stirling Castle, he then claimed fourth place in the time trial, missing the podium by a mere four seconds. It was there that we had the opportunity to speak with Nordhagen.

"I gave everything I had within me, so I must be content with my performance in the World Cup," Nordhagen reflected. "In the time trial, I may have lost some time in the initial stretch due to strong headwinds. As we progressed, there were more uphill sections, which better suit my capabilities. Considering my relatively light physique, it's natural for me to excel on climbs."

"Regardless, giving it my all in time trials feels great; I'm always eager to push myself to the limits," remarked the amiable young Scandinavian. Starting next year, he will be proudly wearing the Jumbo-Visma colors. 'The team has been incredibly supportive for this World Cup, particularly in terms of equipment. Jumbo-Visma provided me with a helmet, shoes, and even the time trial bike. However, I'm still attending school and have my own coach. So far, this arrangement has helped me establish my pacing strategy and other aspects. I believe there are still some refinements to be made over the upcoming years,' Nordhagen eagerly anticipates his upcoming tenure with the Dutch squad."

Nordhagen explains how joined Jumbo-Visma and what his ambition for the future was

"So, how exactly did Jumbo-Visma end up recruiting you?" we inquired. "I live in Lillehammer, the same place as Tobias Foss and Johannes Staune-Mittet. Johannes had the same coach as me, so he facilitated that connection. Even before I became a junior rider, I was already in contact with Jumbo-Visma. Over time, I've become familiar with them, and I'm genuinely thrilled that I've signed a contract with the team.

In the press release issued by the Dutch team in October 2022, Robbert de Groot, Jumbo-Visma's Head of Development, described you as an "exceptional talent," which we mentioned to you. "My VO2max and W/kg results are indeed quite good," you confirmed. "However, that's just one aspect of my development as a cyclist. I'm hoping to keep progressing."

So, what's in store for Nordhagen this year before your cross-country season begins? "The World Cup took place quite early this year, so I'm not certain how many more races I'll participate in. As a junior, you participate in whatever races you can, but there aren't many left. I'm aiming to compete in the European Championship and continue developing as a rider; that's my main focus. Looking ahead, I anticipate focusing mainly on climbing races. Naturally, this will lead me to the major tours, but in the lead-up to that, I believe there's a lot I can learn from the other riders at Jumbo-Visma."