Best American finish in 10 years: How a Boise High grad did at the Tour de France

For most of this summer’s Tour de France, Boise High grad Matteo Jorgenson rode a supporting role for a decorated teammate. But he also continued to show why he’s one of the most promising American cyclists in years.

Jorgenson finished eighth overall when the Tour de France reached its finish line Sunday. That made him the first American rider to finish in the top 10 since 2014, when Tejay Van Garderen finished fifth.

The only other U.S. riders in this year’s race finished 59th and 78th overall.

The eighth-place finish continues a breakout season for Jorgenson, who will represent the U.S. at the upcoming Paris Olympics. He was also the first American to win Paris-Nice since 2006 earlier this year.

But his third trip to the Tour de France also delivered Jorgenson more heartbreak. He finished second in Friday’s Stage 19 to eventual tour winner Tadej Pogačar, losing the lead and his first stage victory in the final 2 kilometers.

“I can’t be too disappointed, I guess. But in the moment right now …,” Jorgenson told reporters after the stage . “I just came so close. I feel like the Tour de France and (I) have a pretty bad relationship with coming close on stages. I feel like I give my best, and it just hasn’t come in.”

Jorgenson also finished third and fourth at stages last year before leaving the tour with a hamstring injury . But he told reporters after taking fourth in Sunday’s final stage he’ll use another close call as fuel for next year.

“I really have a fire in my stomach to win a stage at the Tour de France,” Jorgenson said. “It’s been my dream since I was a little kid. In three years, it hasn’t happened. I feel like every year I’ve gotten closer and closer.”

Injuries thrust Jorgenson, 25, into a key role for Team Visma | Lease a Bike. He often rode in support for two-time defending champ Jonas Vingegaard, helping him finish second overall as Vingegaard competed in his first race since an April crash.

Jorgenson also helped his Dutch team to a second-place finish in the team standings.

The former Boise Young Rider Development Squad rider will next turn his attention to the Olympics, where he’s one of the three Americans in the men’s road race Aug. 3. The U.S. won its only medal in the men’s mass start race in 1984, when Alexi Grewal captured the gold.