Jonas Vingegaard, the two-time winner of the prestigious Tour de France, is gearing up to reclaim the yellow jersey from three-time champion Tadej Pogacar, who rides for UAE Emirates-XRG. Despite his remarkable achievements—including victories in the General Classification for 2022 and 2023—Vingegaard admits he does not perceive himself as a natural leader. This admission reveals a layer of humility in a sport that often places immense pressure on riders to lead their teams effectively.
Vingegaard’s tenacity was on full display during the previous Tour de France when he faced the extraordinary challenge of competing mere months after a horrific crash that had resulted in multiple broken bones and a punctured lung. This crash occurred during the Itzulia Basque Country, an event that effectively ruled him out of contention for the previous year’s Tour. Remarkably, he not only participated but also finished second behind Pogacar, demonstrating an unparalleled level of resilience.
On an episode of TNT Sport’s The Ultimate Cycling Show, Vingegaard discussed the challenges he faces in a leadership role with his team, Visma. He acknowledged his evolution as a leader, sharing, “I don’t think I am the born leader, but I kind of learned how to be the leader.” The Danish cyclist reflected on how experiences with seasoned teammates, such as Wout van Aert and Primoz Roglic, have influenced his development. He mentioned the importance of communication with his team, expressing a desire to improve and learn from his experiences in racing. This recognition of his uncertainties indicates a level of introspection that is often lacking in competitive sports.
Vingegaard’s emotional return to form was encapsulated by his victory in the 11th stage of last year’s Tour, where he outperformed Pogacar. This accomplishment was particularly significant given the physical and mental struggles he had endured. The 26-year-old expressed relief at not only being able to compete but also to triumph over his rival, exclaiming, “to then be able to take that stage win was really incredible.” Such sentiments underline his journey from adversity to achievement and the gratitude he feels for simply being able to race.
In discussions following his impressive performances, notable figures in the cycling world have weighed in on Vingegaard’s journey and his rivalry with Pogacar. Three-time points classification winner Robbie McEwen lauded Vingegaard’s “ridiculous” stage win as a crucial milestone in his quest to reclaim the title. However, McEwen also voiced uncertainty regarding Vingegaard’s full recovery from the injuries sustained in his crash. His comments reflect a broader narrative of uncertainty surrounding Vingegaard’s form as he approaches this year’s Tour.
Former British cyclist Adam Blythe expressed concerns about Vingegaard’s ability to compete with Pogacar at optimal levels. He noted, “My concern is, how the heck is he going to beat Tadej?” highlighting the focus on individual performance in the highly competitive race. Blythe’s skepticism points to a larger concern among analysts and riders alike regarding whether Vingegaard has sufficiently regained his previous elite form.
Adding to the speculation, ex-Visma rider Jip van den Bos commented on Vingegaard’s strategic approach to his training, suggesting that he has not yet shown his full potential. Van den Bos elaborated on how Vingegaard is planning to peak precisely for the Tour, contrasting his preparation with Pogacar’s more consistent racing throughout the season. This dichotomy presents an intriguing narrative as both cyclists gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle for the yellow jersey.
Amidst the ongoing discourse, cycling enthusiasts eagerly await the next installment of this gripping rivalry during the 2025 Tour de France, set to be streamed live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The upcoming competition not only serves as a platform for Vingegaard and Pogacar to showcase their talents but also to explore the intricate dynamics of leadership, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in professional cycling.
