Two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard is gearing up to compete in the 2024 event after overcoming a serious injury that left his participation in doubt. Vingegaard, who won the last two Tours de France, suffered a punctured lung and fractured ribs in a horrific crash at the Itzulia Basque Country in April. Despite the challenges he faced during his recovery, the Visma-Lease a Bike leader is grateful to be able to line up at the Grand Depart in Florence, Italy on Saturday, June 29.
Reflecting on his journey back to competitive cycling, Vingegaard expressed his gratitude for simply being able to participate in the race. He acknowledged the uncertainty he faced during his recovery, stating, “It’s been a long fight and at many points I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it.” For him, the first victory lies in the fact that he is back on the road, ready to take on the challenge. Vingegaard views everything that comes after this as a bonus, highlighting his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
As Vingegaard prepares to defend his title, he is aware of the tough competition he will face from riders like Tadej Pogacar, Primoz Roglic, and Remco Evenepoel. Despite the pressure that comes with being a reigning champion, Vingegaard remains composed and focused on his goal. He emphasized that he is approaching the race with a mindset focused on competing for the General Classification (GC), while also remaining open to the possibility that his performance may fluctuate throughout the three-week long event.
In a separate interview, Vingegaard opened up about the challenges he faced during his recovery from the Basque Country crash. He discussed the physical and mental hurdles he had to overcome in order to make it back to peak racing condition. Vingegaard emphasized the importance of staying resilient and not giving in to self-pity during difficult times. With the unwavering support of his family, Vingegaard dedicated himself to preparing for the Tour de France and refused to let the setback define his journey.
While Vingegaard’s initial goal of winning may have been altered by his injury, he remains hopeful and determined to compete for victory in the Tour de France. He acknowledged that the dynamics of the race may change as it progresses, but his focus remains on putting forth his best effort and seizing any opportunity that comes his way. Vingegaard’s determination and positive outlook demonstrate his readiness to face the challenges of the tour and give it his all on the road.
As the excitement builds for the start of the 2024 Tour de France, cycling fans eagerly anticipate the showdown between Vingegaard and his competitors. With the race set to unfold over the coming weeks, the stage is set for a thrilling display of athleticism, strategy, and resilience. Viewers can catch all the action live and on-demand on discovery+, witnessing firsthand the drama and excitement of one of the most prestigious cycling events in the world.
