Matthieu van der Poel, the reigning world race champion, is targeting the Olympic road race on Saturday, but American Matteo Jorgenson isn’t convinced he can win it. Jorgenson remarked that the Dutchman didn’t seem to be in shape in 2023 at the Tour de France, and was surprised by his ride at the road worlds.
The rainbow jersey at Glasgow
“I was quite surprised last year in Glasgow after I saw him riding in the Tour de France. And also how I saw him this year. It’s not like he was training,” Jorgenson said on the CycleMole podcast. “For example, sometimes van der Poel couldn’t even get into the leading group. That day that Victor Campenaerts won, he just didn’t make it. I don’t know, I can’t predict it, but it’s impressive to be able to improve so much in such a short time.”
In terms of favourites, Jorgenson thinks the Belgians are the riders to watch. With Olympic and TT world champion Remco Evenepoel and hardman Wout van Aert, they look good for a big result.
Remco and Wout are the biggest threats
“Belgium is definitely the strongest team in Paris. Jasper Stuyven was also so strong and under the radar at the end of the Tour de France. Plus. I have inside information that he did two more training sessions behind a motorbike in Monaco. He is a card to play with. It is almost as if they don’t win it would be embarrassing,” he said.
In his view, the squad is stacked and could prove to be a thorn in the rainbow jersey’s sidewall. “With the team they have, they can gamble. I think a soloist will win. In his position, he has the luxury of being able to attack without hesitation, because he has teammates behind him. That’s how I see it,” the Visma-Lease a Bike rider said.
Jorgenson will race on Saturday with two American teammates: Brandon McNulty and Magnus Sheffield. Other favourites for the race include Dane Mads Pedersen, Julian Alaphilippe, Biniam Girmay, and Michael Matthews.
The men race 273 km, starting with a long loop that takes them to two finishing circuits of 18 km each. Those circuits will also involve climbing up Montmartre.
Canadian Cycling Magazine will have reports from the road races in Paris, so be sure to check our Olympic section on the website, as well as our Instagram account for photos and videos from the races.
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