After a 2024 season marked by a serious fall, Jonas Vingegaard hopes to come back stronger next year to compete with Tadej Pogacar in the Tour de France.
The battle has already begun. While he ended his season prematurely at the end of the Tour of Poland in August, Jonas Vingegaard resumed training several weeks ago to prepare for next year. If he wants to compete with Tadej Pogacar in 2025, the Dane cannot afford to wait.
“Clearly I can't take a three-month break, so I have to maintain my form and try to close the gap that existed with Pogacar this year. Both in terms of muscle mass and trying to improve overall to see if we can challenge it next year”Vingegaard told TV2.
“I think I lacked a little bit in all aspects of what I'm capable of. I wasn't as explosive as usual because I lost a lot of muscle mass, adds the leader of Visma-Lease a Bike, victim of a serious accident in the spring on the Tour of the Basque Country. Even on the longest climbs, I couldn't produce the same power as before my fall. »
Vingegaard on the Giro?
Winner of the Tour de France in 2022 and 2023, Vingegaard was clearly dominated by Pogacar this summer on the Grande Boucle. And he intends to take his revenge next year, or at least try, even if persistent rumors send him to the Tour of Italy in May. “I read in some places that I have to do the Giro, so maybe I will do the Giro. We haven't decided anything yet, and we won't make that decision until later.” explains the Dane, who is categorical on one point: “I still think the Tour is the biggest event in Cycling. »
We understand this in Vingegaard's words: he will not go to the Giro to avoid confrontation with Pogacar on the Tour. If he opts for the two grand tours, it is to try to shine in these two events… like Pogacar this year.
“Obviously, if you think the Giro is better preparation and you see an opportunity to win, I think it would be great to race. But I don't think I would compromise on winning the Tour, he explains, without seeming very convinced. There are also a lot of unknowns in a race compared to a training camp. »
He has his habits, Vingegaard, those of preparing for the Tour de France by only running one-week stage races, and abandoning the classics. And he doesn't seem very keen to upset his plans.
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