Jorgenson says Belgians are the favorite for gold in Paris: "If they don't win, it will be embarrassing"

Matteo Jorgenson is an outsider for a medal in the road race at the Olympics. The American will meet many Visma | Lease a Bike teammates in Paris, all of whom, in turn, also have a chance at victory.

Jorgenson will face six of his employer's teammates: Wout van Aert and Tiesj Benoot (Belgium), Jan Tratnik (Slovenia), Christophe Laporte (France), Dylan van Baarle (the Netherlands) and Atilla Valter (Hungary). "I think it's cool," Jorgenson responded when YouTube channel Cyclingmole TV asked if racing against your teammates would be special. "It's unique because I know them so well now. And I know how they race and what their mentality is. I'm looking forward to it."

Jorgenson expects a lot from the Belgians: "If they don't win, it will be embarrassing"

Jorgenson believes the threat will come mainly from the Belgian side. "I see Remco (Evenepoel, ed.) as the favorite. With their team, he is in a comfortable position. He can attack without a doubt because the guys behind him can wait patiently in the group. That's why he's my favorite."

It is not only because of Evenepoel that Jorgenson thinks Belgium has the strongest bunch. "Stuyven is also performing well. In the last Tour week, he was so powerful. He stayed in the background, though, so few people saw how well he rode. The other day in Monaco, he did a motor training of 150 km. So, no doubt he will be outstanding. He, along with Wout, can play a significant role. And Tiesj was also good at the Tour. It will be embarrassing if they don't win without putting the pressure on."

Were any agreements made between the Visma | LaB drivers? "Haven't heard them talk about it"

Along with Brandon McNulty and Magnus Sheffield, Jorgenson represents the United States. With three riders, the country is outnumbered; the best countries can count on four riders. "The top five countries may have some ability to consult to use a rider as a domestique, for example. But when I see the teams, surely Belgium will not use Tiesj Benoot as a domestique, for example?" the 25-year-old rider wondered.

A legitimate question was asked about seven riders from Visma | Lease a Bike competing. Will they even speak to each other during the race? According to Jorgenson, it will strengthen cooperation if necessary. But no agreements have been made, as far as he knows. "At the Tour, I haven't heard Wout, Tiesj, and Christophe talking about the Games."

In the end, Jorgenson expects a rider to win solo. "The peloton is so small, and you are accumulating fatigue all day, so the climbs will be tough enough for someone to break the peloton. Or for someone to go solo. This track will produce a solo winner," concluded the rider from the States.