Matteo Jorgenson has never been shy about showing his personality, but the American may just have pushed his luck with one of cycling’s most passionate nations. In a new behind-the-scenes video released by Team Visma | Lease a Bike, the 26-year-old unveils a frankly outrageous post-ride meal — and fully anticipates the culinary backlash that will follow.
“Sitting down to eat, I’m having gnocchi, and I’m going to put eggs on top. And I’m going to put kimchi in it,” he says cheerfully in a clip from the team’s “Day in the Life” feature, before pausing to acknowledge the inevitable reaction. “I think in Italy I could be arrested.”
That alone might have been enough to send Italian traditionalists into a tailspin. But Jorgenson doesn’t stop there, happily finishing the dish with Sriracha and a scattering of cheese.
“Edo’s going to be so pissed,” he adds, referencing teammate Edoardo Affini. A beat later he offers a half-apology that is anything but remorseful: “This is ridiculous. I’m sorry to all the Italians, but this is what I’m eating.”Culinary chaos… but surprisingly sensible
The horror on behalf of an entire country aside, Jorgenson’s Frankenstein bowl of gnocchi, fermented cabbage and hot sauce is, nutritionally speaking, actually pretty solid. Two fried eggs, a generous helping of carbs, a hit of protein and a portion of gut-friendly kimchi make for a recovery meal a sports scientist could defend, even if an Italian grandmother could not.
His off-bike routine then continues in equally laid-back fashion. Once fed, he heads into the centre of Nice for a French language class — the kind of detail that only reinforces why he’s become one of the peloton’s most likeable characters. Between the Idaho charm, the quietly chaotic food choices and the willingness to laugh at himself, it’s not hard to see why fans have warmed to him so quickly.
Jorgenson’s “loveable nerd” persona was already well-established thanks to his co-star turn in Victor Campenaerts’ bus vlogs earlier this season. Now he has added “culinary criminal” to the résumé — and judging by his total lack of regret, he’s more than happy to play the role.
Italian fans, however, might want to look away the next time he approaches a kitchen.