“He’s been overshadowed by the phenomenon Tadej Pogacar” - Jonas Vingegaard's Vuelta stage win a 'timely reminder' of how good he really is says TNT expert

Jonas Vingegaard reminded the cycling world exactly who he is on Stage 2 of the 2025 Vuelta a Espana — and according to TNT Sports’ Matt Stephens, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

The two-time Tour de France winner surged past Giulio Ciccone in a rim-width photo finish in Limone, seizing not only his first World Tour win of the season but also reasserting himself as the man to beat in Spain. After a subdued Tour where he finished runner-up to long-time rival Tadej Pogacar, Vingegaard’s La Vuelta opening salvo was a masterclass in timing, grit, and explosive climbing.

“I think he rode the perfect race,” Stephens said in the aftermath for TNT Sports. “Because it's been so long, it's so important for his morale and his belief.”

Stephens didn't hold back in framing Vingegaard’s performance as more than just a stage win — but a statement. “This lad has won the Tour de France twice, but in the last couple of years he's been overshadowed by the phenomenon that is Tadej Pogacar. This is a timely, important reminder of who he is.”

Vingegaard’s victory didn’t come easy. The stage was largely uneventful until the final hour, when rain, crashes, and chaos on a roundabout saw much of the Team Visma | Lease a Bike team hit the deck — including the Dane himself. Yet by the final climb to Limone, he had regrouped and reasserted his presence at the front of the race.

Despite a soft gradient for most of the climb, the last 2 kilometres transformed into a battleground of explosive efforts. With Felix Gall, Marc Soler and Ciccone all launching moves, it was Vingegaard who found just enough kick in the final meters to edge past Ciccone — who perhaps glanced over his shoulder at the worst possible moment.

“There was so much packed into the final few metres,” Stephens added. “It did look as if it was going to be Giulio Ciccone emerging through the mist. That little glance over his shoulder, I think it might have cost him the win.”

For Vingegaard, however, it was not just a win — it was a release. The emotion was written all over his face as he punched the air in catharsis, flanked moments later by jubilant Visma teammates. It was, as Stephens put it, a “big marker” laid down by the pre-race favourite.

“What a brilliant win, fantastic. You know what Jonas is like, he never gives up… That cathartic punch to the air from Jonas and delight all round from his team-mates. What a way to start this race as the out-and-out favourite.”