The Visma-Lease a Bike cycling team received a significant morale boost Monday when injured American rider Matteo Jorgenson was spotted training on rollers just days after fracturing his clavicle in the Amstel Gold Race. The development comes as a relief for Belgian star Wout van Aert, who will now face less pressure to alter his carefully planned season schedule leading into the Tour de France.

Jorgenson’s Rapid Recovery Timeline

Jorgenson, 24, suffered the injury during a crash in the Amstel Gold Race on April 20, 2026, when he collided with French rider Kévin Vauquelin in a sharp corner. The incident forced Jorgenson to withdraw from both the La Flèche Wallonne (April 23) and Liège-Bastogne-Liège (April 27) – the final two races of cycling’s prestigious Ardennes Classics trilogy.

However, the team’s Instagram account shared encouraging footage of Jorgenson already back on training rollers by April 26 – just six days after the accident. This rapid return to light training suggests his recovery is progressing faster than initially feared. Team officials confirmed to official team sources that Jorgenson’s primary focus remains the Tour de France, where he was expected to play a key support role for defending champion Jonas Vingegaard.

Van Aert’s Season Preserved

The positive news about Jorgenson’s recovery arrives at a crucial moment for Visma-Lease a Bike, as it removes the need to disrupt Wout van Aert’s carefully planned season. Team director Maarten Wynants told HLN on April 20 that Van Aert would not be called up as Jorgenson’s replacement for Liège-Bastogne-Liège, citing the Belgian’s need for recovery time.

“No. Wout is just back from a short vacation. I don’t feel that would be the best preparation for Liège.”

Maarten Wynants, Visma-Lease a Bike team director

Van Aert, who finished third in his only previous appearance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2022, is currently preparing for an ambitious summer campaign that includes both the Tour de France and Vuelta a España. The 30-year-old Belgian has already achieved notable victories in 2026, including wins at Milan-San Remo, Strade Bianche and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne.

Tour de France Implications

Jorgenson’s strong early-season form had positioned him as a valuable asset for Visma-Lease a Bike’s Tour de France ambitions. In the weeks leading up to his injury, the American recorded:

• 4th place at Faun-Ardèche Classic (February 22)
• 2nd place at Faune Drôme Classic (February 23)
• 8th place at Strade Bianche (March 8)
• 2nd place overall at Tirreno-Adriatico (March 12-18)

His climbing abilities and consistent performances made him an ideal domestique for Vingegaard in the mountains. The team’s medical staff will now monitor Jorgenson’s recovery closely, with the goal of having him back in competition before the Tour begins on July 4 in Florence, Italy.

Team Strategy Remains Intact

Visma-Lease a Bike’s decision to maintain their original race schedules demonstrates confidence in their depth. Wynants confirmed that neither Jonas Vingegaard nor time trial specialist Nathan Van Hooydonck would be called up as replacements for Jorgenson, as both riders are currently on a 10-day training camp preparing for the Giro d’Italia, which begins May 9 in Budapest.

“We wish to stick to the planning for that Giro trajectory.”

Maarten Wynants

The team’s long-term strategy appears focused on preserving their riders’ specialized preparations for their respective Grand Tour campaigns. This approach aligns with their recent announcement that Wout van Aert has signed a lifetime contract extension with Visma-Lease a Bike, committing to remain with the team until the complete of his career.

What’s Next for Visma-Lease a Bike

The team’s immediate focus shifts to:

1. Monitoring Jorgenson’s recovery progress through regular medical updates
2. Completing Van Aert’s preparation for the Tour de France and Vuelta a España
3. Supporting Vingegaard and Van Hooydonck at the Giro d’Italia (May 9-31)

The next major test for the team will come at the Critérium du Dauphiné (June 8-15), which serves as a key preparation race for the Tour de France. Fans can follow official updates on the team’s progress through their official website and Instagram account.