"He prefers peace and quiet to money" - Holm compares Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar's off-the-bike status

Rivalries are what fuels sport to a whole different level and over the 2020's, pro cycling has seen two riders stand out from the rest when it comes to the Grand Tours: Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. This rivalry is further accentuated by the duo's difference in personality and off-the-bike living, which is outlined by former sports director Brian Holm.

"On paper, he should also be living in Monaco and evading taxes. And starring in a Rolex commercial. But he doesn't want that either," Brian Holm said to Ekstra Bladet regarding Jonas Vingegaard. "Most others would break their arm to be in such a commercial." The Dane, through his results - which include two Tour de France titles and much more - earns one of the largest salaries in the pro peloton, estimated to be between 4 and 5 million euros. It is no match for what Tadej Pogacar earns at UAE Team Emirates - XRG as the face of the sport, but Holm argues that this is not an issue.

Vingegaard is a father of two and over the year has often shown to be a rather introvert rider, who enjoys more his time off the spotlight when he is not in competition. He has also not moved into tax havens such as Monaco or Andorra; or to the Spanish Mediterranean coast - in this case mostly for the good weather, as did most other top riders in recent years.

"He doesn't wear a Richard Mille watch either. He doesn't really care. He might as well tell the time on a Casio. I just find it charming". Holm, a compatriot and man that knows Vingegaard quite well, praises the 29-year olds way of living and priorities. "That his family is doing well, that he's safe, and that he doesn't have too many obligations when he's not working. Jonas earns more money than most people will earn in a lifetime, but he seems very relaxed about it. He prefers peace and quiet to money."

Whilst Pogacar can't ordinarily fall under any criticism over the difference in lifestyle, it is an interesting observation on how two very different personalities have managed to climb to the top of the sport in their own very specific ways, and their rivalry has also led to the creation of the major rivalry between Team Visma | Lease a Bike and UAE Team Emirates - XRG that has fueled the past few years in the three-week races.

"I just don't think money drives him. I don't think he cares. I actually find it very endearing—it's hard not to like that he prefers living in Denmark and paying taxes. Even though he could earn twice as much in Monaco. He has a Volvo, he doesn't show up everywhere... He has no interest in watching Formula 1 races and being seen with the stars... That's just the way he is," Holm describes. "I just don't think he's interested".