Matteo Jorgenson started the Amstel Gold Race with high ambitions. The 26-year-old American made a strong impression in the final phase within the group of favorites but was ultimately forced to abandon the race after a heavy crash.

In the 60th edition of the Amstel Gold Race, Jorgenson made his return to racing. Following the Italian spring races, the Californian had specifically targeted the Ardennes classics.

A group of nine early breakaway riders animated the opening phase of the 260-kilometer race in Limburg. Heading into the local laps in and around Valkenburg, the peloton gradually reduced their advantage. After a nervous buildup, the race opened up just over forty kilometers from the finish. On the Gulperberg, Jorgenson responded sharply to an attack from Romain Grégoire. Other favorites, such as Remco Evenepoel, Mattias Skjelmose, and Kévin Vauquelin, were also attentive. The leading group reached the top together and pushed on.

Not long afterward, things went wrong for Jorgenson. The American leader of Team Visma | Lease a Bike was unable to avoid a crash by Vauquelin and went down hard himself. He was subsequently taken to the hospital for further examination. After losing their leader, the riders of Team Visma | Lease a Bike no longer played a significant role in the race. Victory went to top favorite Evenepoel.

“Everyone could see that Matteo was in great form”

Frans Maassen

Sports director Frans Maassen reacted afterward: “We had high expectations for this race and were well prepared. Everyone could see that Matteo was in great form, so it’s very frustrating that our race ended this way. As a team, we were well positioned throughout. The riders did a great job keeping Matteo in a good position all day. The goal was to be among the first to crest the Gulperberg and the Kruisberg. He looked fresh on those climbs, but unfortunately he crashed shortly afterward. That’s extremely disappointing.”