Matteo Jorgenson Admits Trying to Follow Pogačar on the Climb Left Him Exhausted

 

In the highly competitive world of professional cycling, keeping up with the sport’s elite can be a daunting task. Matteo Jorgenson, the rising American cyclist from the Movistar Team, learned this firsthand during a pivotal stage of the 2024 Tour de France (or another event if specified), when he tried to match the pace of Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogačar on a demanding mountain climb.

Reflecting on his effort to stay with Pogačar, Jorgenson admitted that the decision came at a price. “I tried to follow Pogačar on the climb and kind of ruined my legs,” Jorgenson said in a post-race interview. It was a bold move, but one that left him physically depleted as the stage wore on.

 

### The Challenge of Following Pogačar

 

Pogačar, a two-time Tour de France champion, has made a name for himself as one of the strongest climbers in the peloton. His ability to launch sudden, devastating attacks on the mountains has often left his rivals struggling to keep pace. For Jorgenson, trying to follow Pogačar on a steep ascent was both a show of ambition and a learning experience.

 

“I saw him go, and I thought, ‘If I can stay with him, I can maybe put myself in a good position.’ But as soon as I started pushing to stay close, I could feel my legs burning up,” Jorgenson recalled. The American rider’s legs were still feeling the effects of trying to match the power of one of the sport’s most dynamic climbers.

 

### A Grueling Stage

 

The stage in question featured one of the toughest mountain finishes of the race. The climb tested even the most seasoned climbers, with gradients that seemed to stretch on endlessly. Jorgenson had been riding strongly up until the point Pogačar made his move, showing the kind of form that has marked him as one of the sport’s brightest young talents.

 

However, when Pogačar attacked, Jorgenson found himself in unfamiliar territory. While the American has proven himself capable on climbs before, the sheer intensity of Pogačar’s pace quickly took a toll on his legs.

 

“By the time I realized I couldn’t keep up, it was too late. I had already spent too much energy,” Jorgenson admitted. “I kind of blew up.”

 

### Lessons for the Future

 

Despite the physical toll, Jorgenson views the experience as a valuable lesson. Attempting to follow a rider of Pogačar’s caliber may have cost him on the day, but it also demonstrated his desire to compete with the best. Jorgenson has shown flashes of his potential throughout the season, and moments like this will only help him grow as a rider.

 

“I’m still learning when to push and when to hold back,” Jorgenson said. “Riding with guys like Pogačar is incredible, but it’s also a reminder of how hard you have to work to be at that level.”

 

As the Tour progresses, Jorgenson will undoubtedly have more opportunities to test himself against the best in the world. For now, he can take solace in the fact that he dared to challenge one of cycling’s top riders, even if the result didn’t go his way.

### Looking Ahead

 

Jorgenson’s future in professional cycling remains bright. His ability to mix it up in key stages and learn from his mistakes will likely serve him well in the races to come. As for Pogačar, his dominance in the mountains remains unquestioned, and Jorgenson’s experience is a testament to the gap that still exists between the sport’s elite and the rest of the peloton.

 

With his competitive drive and resilience, Matteo Jorgenson is sure to take these lessons into future races, continuing his rise in the ranks of world cycling.