"All Jonas thinks about is the Tour de France... It's the race that defines your career" - Nathan van Hooydonck explains Vingegaard's lack of Rainbow Jersey ambition

Jonas Vingegaard has undoubtedly proven himself as one of the leading Grand Tour riders of his generation over the last few years. Given his hyper-focus on the three-week races, and especially the Tour de France though, the Dane is yet to don the colours of his national team at a World Championships.

According to former Team Visma | Lease a Bike teammate and good friend of Vingegaard, Nathan van Hooydonck, the reason behind the Dane's lack of desire to race for his national team is actually quite a simple one. "We've talked about it a few times. I think all Jonas thinks about is the Tour de France," the now retired Belgian tells BT.dk. "He wants to win the Tour as many times as possible because it's the race that defines your career."

Van Hooydonck is also keen to stress though, that whilst the Maillot Jaune remains his friend's most important focus in the sport, that's not to say Vingegaard has a lack of interest in representing his national team at a European Championship, World Championship or even Olympic Games in the future. "Jonas is someone who really, really loves his country. He is proud to be Danish, he still lives in Denmark. He is proud of it," Van Hooydonck explains. "I'm sure he will eventually race at the World Championships one day, or the upcoming Olympics for Denmark. Who knows? But of course it's his own decision."

Previously, Danish cycling icon Bjarne Riis questioned his compatriot's desire. "Why is it that you don't announce it clearly? What is it that makes you unable to do it? I don't buy the premise that you can crash and many things can happen. You have to have a plan as a starting point, and there will always be unknowns in a season," the 60-year-old previously told BT. "If he doesn't believe it, then I understand the statement. But if he believes he can win the World Championship, why doesn't he say he's racing - without ambiguity? And how bad would it really be if it fails and he comes second to Pogacar and takes home the World Championship silver? Would it really be disappointing to be beaten by someone who is better?"

Vingegaard is yet to officially confirm his intentions for the 2025 World Championships in Rwanda, but the two-time Tour de France winner is expected to make a first appearance in Danish colours on a climber-friendly course in Africa.