Jorgenson thought Evenepoel was not 'particularly strong' in Paris-Nice: "I was able to respond to all his attacks"

Matteo Jorgenson nearly secured the leader's jersey in Paris-Nice on Saturday. The leader of Visma | Lease a Bike, unlike leader Brandon McNulty, could keep up with the best riders and thus gained nineteen seconds on his compatriot. With only one stage to go, the difference between the two riders is just four seconds in favor of McNulty.

After stage winner Aleksandr Vlasov, Jorgenson crossed the finish line alongside Remco Evenepoel, Mattias Skjelmose, and Primoz Roglic. "I have a very good feeling about this stage. It was a stage to get through and also an opportunity to gain time on Brandon. I achieved both things and I am super happy about that," said the American in conversation with Cycling Pro Net.

Jorgenson is optimistic about his chances: "Winning Paris-Nice is within reach"

Paris-Nice will conclude on Sunday with a challenging mountain stage. "I'm ready for the toughest day of the week. Anything can happen there," Jorgenson anticipates an exciting finale. While he trails McNulty closely, he maintains a thirty-second advantage over Skjelmose and Evenepoel in the general classification. Jorgenson isn't particularly concerned about Evenepoel. "Remco put up a good fight, but I managed to counter all his moves. Although he gained some bonus seconds at the end, I took my turns at the front to keep Brandon under pressure."

"I'm heading into the final stage with confidence. Winning Paris-Nice is within reach. I just need to stay cautious tomorrow," he adds, referring to the expected adverse weather conditions.