"Today is Jonas' day" - Bruyneel backs Vingegaard to take control of Giro d'Italia as GC battle looms
Cycling
Stage 14 of the Giro d’Italia 2026 looks set to be the first true tipping point in the general classification. After several attritional days and relative calm among the favourites, Johan Bruyneel and Spencer Martin spoke on Lance Armstrong’s The Move podcast about the race’s second big mountain stage, with Jonas Vingegaard the clear favourite. They also had words for Enric Mas, the Movistar Team leader.
After breaking down Alberto Bettiol’s win on stage 13, both quickly shifted focus to a route they see as designed to force gaps. For Bruyneel, there is little doubt about what is coming: “I’m sure we’ll have a change of leader today. I think Jonas will be in pink by the end of the day.”
The stage covers just 133 kilometres but racks up more than 4,200 metres of elevation gain. Five categorised climbs and almost no recovery sections turn the day into a true endurance test from the flag. Spencer Martin called it “probably the most important stage we’ve had so far for the general classification.”
Bruyneel explained that the course design virtually wipes out the chances of a breakaway succeeding. According to the Belgian former sports director, the short distance and back-to-back climbs force the GC teams to take control from the first ascent.
“I think it has to be decided among the GC men. It’s a short stage, 133 kilometres, with 4,300 metres of climbing and five climbs... I think it’ll be a straight GC battle.” For him, Bahrain and Visma will be the teams driving the pace and toughening the race.
Jonas Vingegaard during the Giro d'Italia 2026
Jonas Vingegaard is the favourite
One of the episode’s big talking points was Jonas Vingegaard. Although he has yet to wear the maglia rosa, both believe his moment has arrived. Bruyneel even went further, forecasting a show of authority from the Dane.
“I think Jonas wins today.” He not only expects Vingegaard to take the lead, but also believes he could take the stage and underline that he is the strongest rider in this Giro.
Spencer Martin shared that view and even expressed surprise at the betting odds on the Visma leader’s victory. For him, the combination of course and form clearly favours the Dane.
“If he wins today, in my mind that means he’s going to win the entire Giro.” Martin sees this as the least favourable day for a breakaway among all the remaining mountain stages.
Another detail that drew attention was the revelation that Vingegaard had been ill during the first half of the Giro. Bruyneel thinks that helps explain why the Dane had not yet shown overwhelming superiority.
Vingegaard looks relaxed
“That could explain why he wasn’t quite sharp, why he didn’t do a great time trial, and why he hadn’t been dominant yet.” According to the Belgian, if he is truly recovered, the outlook for his rivals is not encouraging.
Spencer also read Vingegaard’s recent comments and body language as clear signs of confidence. He was struck to see him joking and relaxed, something unusual for him.
Bruyneel fully agreed with that take: “He looks much more relaxed than usual. That tells me he’s very confident and feeling good for what’s coming.” For both, that psychological detail is as important as his numbers on the bike.
The analysis did not focus solely on Vingegaard, however. Bruyneel identified several riders who could exploit any weakness in the favourite or even attack from distance if the chance arises.
Other favourites such as Enric Mas
“Felix Gall is the best climber after him.” He also mentioned Enric Mas and Giulio Ciccone as names to watch on a stage that can reward both aggression and patient tactics.
On Enric Mas, the analysis was particularly interesting. Bruyneel highlighted that the Spaniard seems to be arriving in very good shape and that long, steady climbs fit his skill set perfectly.
“Enric Mas is a good option for today. He looks strong.” While he does not place him at Vingegaard’s level, he does see him as one of the few capable of responding on such a demanding day.
Enric Mas, estrella de Movistar Team at the Giro
As for Ciccone, Martin was intrigued by the chance to see him shine in front of his home crowd. He recalled that the Italian often performs above his limits when racing at home and chasing major wins.
Bruyneel did not rule out that scenario: “I wouldn’t rule Ciccone out today.” Still, he insisted he would only have real options if he can stay with the favourites’ group until the final climb.
Brutal route will have gaps
Beyond the big names, both agreed the route is perfect to trigger a natural selection among the best. There are no major descents to regroup or long valleys to recover.
Martin summed it up clearly: “It’s going to be brutal because there are no big valleys; it’s up and down one mountain after another.” That relentless succession could blow the race apart from the first climb.
Bruyneel insisted that Visma have prepared this day since before the Giro began. He recalled that Vingegaard himself admitted they had marked this stage as a top priority.
That only strengthens his conviction: “Today is Jonas’ day.” For the former US Postal director, barring a crash or a mechanical, this could be the day that definitively shapes the Giro d’Italia 2026.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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