In the world of professional cycling, anticipation is building as Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike prepares to face off against reigning world champion Tadej Pogacar, who rides for UAE Team Emirates. Recently, Vingegaard indicated he has no doubt in Pogacar’s capabilities, stating he expects the Slovenian rider to be at his peak during the forthcoming Tour de France. Vingegaard has dismissed any speculations regarding Pogacar’s potential dip in form, confidently asserting that the 26-year-old is likely to perform exceptionally well in one of cycling’s most prestigious events.
This assurance comes on the heels of Pogacar’s outstanding performance at Stage 7 of the Criterium du Dauphine, where he claimed victory and extended his overall lead to more than a minute ahead of the final stage. This win is yet another highlight in what has already been a remarkable season for Pogacar, characterized by a string of successes that includes a dominant showing at the UAE Tour, as well as triumphs in four Spring Classics. With such a stellar track record, Vingegaard believes Pogacar will channel this form into the Tour de France, which is set to commence in less than three weeks.
When Vingegaard was asked whether he worried about Pogacar’s form ahead of the Tour, especially after a season as successful as his, he showcased his respect for Pogacar’s abilities. He stated unequivocally, “No, I think Tadej will be very good in the Tour; I expect him to be at his best level there. I don’t think he will get any worse.” This shows not only Vingegaard’s confidence in his adversary but also hints at the competitive spirit that defines the relationship between the two athletes.
Turning the conversation towards his own performance, Vingegaard elaborated on his aspirations. Having finished second in last year’s Tour de France, just behind Pogacar, he reflects on the future and the Vuelta a España, indicating that it may be more significant to consider form in relation to that race rather than focusing solely on the Tour. He mentioned, “At least for myself, I know that I can do a pretty good Tour de France; then it’s more about what you can do in the Vuelta a España afterwards.” This thought reflects Vingegaard’s ambition for improvement, stating, “I still do think I can get better; I can’t put a number on it, but I am pretty sure I can get better.”
Pogacar’s impressive year continued to unfold as he triumphed at the UAE Tour earlier in the season, leading to victories in prominent races such as Strade Bianche, the Tour of Flanders, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. His consistency has been notable, with the rider not finishing outside the top three in any one-day race this year. Describing his success, Pogacar expressed his joy, stating, “It has been a great, great year for me.”
Furthermore, despite his already remarkable achievements of claiming the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and his inaugural world title in 2024, Pogacar is optimistic about the current season, expressing that it could potentially be his “best ever.” After securing his second consecutive stage win at the Criterium du Dauphine, he remarked, “I know I say it every year, the best season so far, but this year, if everything goes to plan, it will be the best season ever.”
In terms of historical context, Pogacar’s last win in the Tour de France marked his third crown, following his victories in 2020 and 2021. With aspirations to inch closer to the all-time record for Tour victories—currently held by cycling legends Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain, each of whom has claimed five titles—this season promises to be a thrilling chapter in Pogacar’s career as he pursues even greater heights.
With a plethora of notable races streamed live on platforms like TNT Sports and discovery+, cycling enthusiasts are gearing up for what undoubtedly will be a spectacular showdown at the Tour de France, as both Vingegaard and Pogacar look to solidify their legacies in the sport.
