"Compared to Tadej, he looks like a very frail individual. He doesn't have the body of a champion" - Legendary commentator assesses Jonas Vingegaard's 2025 Tour chances

They say the true measure of a champion is how they respond to setbacks and adversity. Well, after losing the Tour de France Maillot Jaune in 2024, Jonas Vingegaard is expected to mount a strong response in 2025. Can he overcome the all-conquering Tadej Pogacar?

This is a question mused by NBC Sports Cycling duo American ex-pro Christian Vande Velde and legendary commentator Phil Liggett on the latest episode of the 'Beyond the Podium' podcast. "What would it be like to see Jonas Vingegaard healthy at the Tour de France?" Vande Velde, himself a former 4th overall finisher at the Tour, asks aloud. "Is it that it's over for Jonas? Or should we just be appreciative of what he did coming from almost his deathbed, to finishing on the podium of the Tour de France?"

"With the drive that Jonas has, it's certainly not over!" 'The Voice of the Tour de France', Liggett answers firmly. "When you look at his body shape compared to Tadej, he looks like a very frail individual. It's almost like a scarecrow talking to a well-built giant. But for me, he was just a brilliant champion in this year's Tour de France because he pinned a number on for the first time since his accident in the Tour de France and he finishes second again, against one of the greatest riders that has ever lived."

The refusal for Vingegaard to just accept defeat to Pogacar also stood out to Liggett. "He wouldn't take no for an answer until the last couple of days, which is when he knew that although he'd tried his best, he'd been beaten," the English commentator explains. "This guy has the drive of a champion. For me, he doesn't have the body of a champion, however, Jonas Vingegaard will be back. Big time!"

"He's become a dad for a second time and they drive him on and they support him. They're always at the stage finishes and he (Vingegaard ed.) never believed Pogacar had won the Tour until 48 hours to go," Liggett concludes. "The question is, will he ride the Giro d'Italia, perhaps because he saw Pogacar winning it and try to complete the triple crown? If he thinks it will mean he won't be at his best for the Tour, he won't ride the Giro."