Having taken victory at the Tour de France in both 2022 and 2023, Jumbo-Visma leader Jonas Vingegaard is understandably full of confidence ahead of next year. After analyzing the race route, the Dane believes it suits him well.
“I’d say an 8,” Vingegaard answers when asked by Sporza what he would rate the race profile out of 10. “Of course, it seems super hard, but I’d also like it more hard in the second week. I’m not the one who decides it and I still think it’s a good course."
One of the potentially race-defining stages looks set to be the stage 15, Bastille Day, Queen Stage of the race including the ascent of the Plateau de Beille and 5,000 metres of elevation gain in just 198km of racing. “It seems like a super hard stage, so one I’m really looking forward to,” Vingegaard says of that particular stage. “In general, a lot of stages look super hard and that suits me quite well, but especially this stage.”
The race also kicks off in style with the Col du Galibier featuring early on just stage 4. “Do not underestimate this stage,” warns Vingegaard. “Also this year on Marie Blanque [stage 5] people did not expect anything to happen but it do. So anything can happen. For sure there’ll be a battle from the start. You have to be ready from the start of this Tour de France. Stage 1, stage 2, stage 4… you have to be ready.”
“The third week seems harder than it was this year. It’s always in the third week where you can really make a big difference. For me, that’s what suits me – I’m still good in the third week, so this course suits me," Vingegaard concludes, unconcerned about the unique finale in Nice.
“Normally I’m used to the Tour de France finishing the day before the last stage. Basically it’s one extra day of racing. It will be a nice experience. I hope to still do a good TT on the last day.”
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