Three young runners caught up with Jonas Vingegaard, in recognition in the Pyrenees, in the Col du Soulor. The Danish invited them to spend the rest of his release in his company for an unforgettable moment.
Far from the hyperactivity of his large rival Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard (28 years old) prepares the Tour de France discreetly. Well almost. The Danish, who recalls a concussion after his fall in Paris-Nice in March, rolled in the company of three young amateur runners while he was in recognition in the Pyrenees on Monday. The amateur cyclists – engaged in a friendly outing on the slopes of the Col du Soulor where the Tour de France will pass during the 12th stage on July 17 – were surprised to receive an invitation from Grischa Niermann, sports director of the Visma -Lease training in Bike.
“He didn’t drive fast, but we still had to fight to keep his wheels”
“His car doubled us halfway and stopped on the side of the road,” said Paul Capelle to the Danish channel TV2. “Grischa Niermann said that Vingegaard was about two minutes ahead and that he could probably be caught because he was not riding very quickly.”
The trio still had to work by pushing on the pedals “at nearly 400 watts” to join it. “We approached him and I told him that it was incredible to see him,” added Capelle. “I asked him, if it was not a problem, if we could accompany him. He accepted and we did almost all his gratitude with him.”
In total, the quartet rode together for four hours, taking the time to exchange. “He became interested in me,” adds Capelle who participates in amateur races. “He asked me what I was doing in sport, if I participated in races. It was even incredible. First, he was incredibly nice. He did not behave like a superstar, but like a normal person. It was a small training for him. He did not drive fast, but we still had to fight to keep his wheels.”
Double winner of the Tour de France in 2022 and 2023, the Danish will target a third coronation after being preceded by Pogacar last year. After this recognition the Pyrenees, he will go to the Sierra Nevada for an altitude training before taking the start of the Critérium du Dauphiné. He will do another internship at altitude in Tignes. “I train without problem now,” he said last week. I haven’t run much this year, so I can’t wait to participate in the Dauphiné and especially around. First, I’m going to get back in shape at altitude. “
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