13/09/2023

"Anyone can race, but the agreement is that we will not go against each other" - Jumbo-Visma DS Grisha Niermann reveals

Has Jonas Vingegaard reached out for overall victory in the Vuelta with a retirement in the 16th stage? Sports director Grischa Niermann also admits that the Tour winner seems to have the best cards. Yet he does not want to appoint a single leader.

With an attack 4 kilometers from the finish, Jonas Vingegaard has established himself as a candidate winner of the Vuelta. He follows less than half a minute behind teammate and leader Sepp Kuss. "Jonas showed that he was the strongest today," said Niermann in an interview with Sporza. "It was a beautiful demonstration of power."

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But his attack also raises the question: who is now the leader of Team Jumbo - Visma? "Kuss, Roglic and Vingegaard are three great champions. We dream of a 1-2-3 in Madrid," Niermann first avoided the tricky question.

Is there really no leader? "We have made very clear agreements," the team leader says. "Anyone can race, but the agreement is that we will not put one of our own teammates in a less good situation."

"The most important thing is that we beat the competitors. Ayuso and Mas showed today that they are at a very high level. Tomorrow there will be a tough ride with the Angliru, Thursday also, Saturday also..."