Jorgenson describes winning Paris-Nice as turning point: "Since then I ride with a different self-confidence"

Due to circumstances, 2024 was not the best season for Visma | Lease a Bike, but if there was a ray of hope, it was Matteo Jorgenson. The American made significant progress in his first year for the "Killer Bees," which resulted, among other things, in the overall victory in Paris-Nice. In conversation with Velo, Jorgenson attributes his progression to the WorldTour team's nutrition strategy.

At Visma | Lease a Bike, food is weighed to the gram for optimal recovery after a race or training. That was a major change for Jorgenson, but one he believes is the main reason for his progression as a rider. "Maintaining a perfect diet all year - well, at least until the end of the Olympics; after that, I gave up a bit," the American admits honestly. "But having enough energy to train every day and make the necessary adjustments where necessary, doing that for months, helped me improve so dramatically. I think consistency ensures that your body knows enough energy is available. I would say that's the biggest change," Jorgenson said.

The change in diet brought Jorgenson success. In addition to the overall victory in Paris-Nice, he also won Dwars door Vlaanderen and was the runner-up in the Critérium du Dauphiné. He also finished eighth in the Tour de France as Jonas Vingegaard's domestique. After the Tour de France, Jorgenson's performance gradually declined. Some overconfidence in the GP de Montréal and the Giro dell'Emilia also played a role. For example, he tried to counter an attack by a fit Tadej Pogacar in both races. Logically, he had to pay for that.

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Jorgenson: "Overall, it's been perfect"

Not only in the field of nutrition did Jorgenson have to get used to at first. For example, at Visma | Lease a Bike, he experienced much more variety in his daily tasks. "Since joining this team, I find it more enjoyable to have a goal on one day. A task that you have to do that day. And it's so much better; time passes faster. It's demanding and challenging, but it's a world of difference for me, at least compared to the past."

Although Jorgenson explains much of his progression through a different nutrition strategy, winning Paris-Nice has also given him a big mental boost. "I think getting that win at the beginning of the year set a constructive tone for the rest of it. Since then, I have ridden with a different confidence, raced differently, and taken a new approach to training and the sport." About the entire season, Jorgenson can be brief. "Overall, it's been perfect."