Visma down to one leader and 6 riders in bid for first Amstel win since Van Aert

Riders and staff followed the historical win of Wout van Aert in Roubaix together from their altitude camp on Tenerife, where preparations are ongoing for both the classics and the upcoming Giro d’Italia. The reaction, according to performance lead Mathieu Heijboer, was intense.

“There was a lot of emotion. From cheering to complete silence. Everyone understands what that win means for Wout and for the team,” he said to Wielerflits.

That sense of belief comes at a moment when the team’s approach to the hilly classics has already evolved. In previous years, races like Amstel were approached with ambition, but without the expectation of controlling the outcome. Over the winter, that changed. The Ardennes block is now treated with the same importance as Monuments like the Tour of Flanders of Paris-Roubaix.

“There is no distinction for us,” Heijboer said. “We prepare for Amstel in exactly the same way. It’s a race we want to be competitive in, just like the others.”

The line up reflects that approach, even if it has had to be adjusted. Simon Yates was originally part of the plan but he retired before the season, while Louis Barré has been ruled out through lack of form after struggling with his fitness. Ben Tulett, who was expected to play a supporting role after leaving the Tour of the Basque Country with knee issues, also does not start. With no time to call up a replacement, Visma lines up with six riders instead of seven.

That leaves Matteo Jorgenson as the team’s sole leader and most realistic contender. The American arrives without concerns after altitude training and is expected to carry the team’s ambitions.

“If you look at the preparation, Matteo is the one who has had a clear run,” Heijboer said. “He’s in a good place physically.”

Support comes from Christophe Laporte, who brings experience and positioning after extending his spring, alongside Per Strand Hagenes, Menno Huising and Axel Zingle. The structure is simpler than planned, but still built to guide Jorgenson into the decisive phase.

“We’re not making big claims,” Heijboer added. “But he’s done everything right. These races are the final part of his spring, and the aim is to be present in the decisive moments and compete for the result.”

The absence of Tadej Pogačar changes the dynamic, though the race remains far from straightforward. Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) headlines a strong field, with Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5), Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ United) and defending champion Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) also expected to feature prominently.