"I don’t see myself changing team" - Jonas Vingegaard shuts down Netcompany Ineos transfer talk in retirement declaration
Cycling
Jonas Vingegaard has opened up on his future career plans as the Danish rider made one of his most comprehensive declarations yet about his future in cycling. Now wearing the pink jersey as leader of the Giro d'Italia, Vingegaard addressed transfer speculation linking him to Netcompany Ineos, his goals going forward and how long he plans to continue racing.
The 29-year-old Team Visma Lease a Bike leader, twice winner of the Tour de France and reigning Vuelta a Espana champion, is aiming to add the Giro to his palmares and make it a career set of grand tour victories - and has made it clear he wants to add any subsequent wins with the Dutch team.
Taking control of the Corsa Rosa with a dominant win on Stage 14 last Saturday, the Dane's team executed a water-tight race plan to launch Vingegaard and put distance into his nearest general classification competitors and seal an emphatic third stage win of this Giro.
And while he prepares to do battle with Tadej Pogacar in July for the Tour de France, Vingegaard's future has been subject of speculation - particularly after Danish company Netcompany joined the cycling world - forming Netcompany Ineos and bolstering their spending power as they seek to conquer the Tour de France once again.
Vingegaard Netcompany Ineos speculation
Geraint Thomas, now part of the management within the British team, stoked the flames of speculation as he admitted that the team have lofty ambitions for becoming a general classification force in future seasons. While Thomas didn't explicitly make clear their intentions to sign Vingegaard, many fans see the team as a possible future destination should he leave Visma | Lease a Bike.
However, Vingegaard was quick to cool down any transfer talk, even going as far as making a clear retirement statement - declaring that he envisions he will retire with his current team.
“This year is my eighth year as a pro,” the Dane said in a rest day press conference. “I also don’t see myself riding until I’m 35. I’m turning 30, so that’s actually not in so many years. I would also say that I don’t see myself changing team. To add to that, I see myself finishing my career in this team.”
Vingegaard not rushing into decisions
Vingegaard turns 30 in December and insists that he will be making decisions on a year-by-year basis. However, retirement isn't on the menu for a Vingegaard hungry for more success.
He added: “I’ve said in the last few years that I’ll take it year by year. That’s what I’ve done at least since my crash in 2024, and at this moment I don’t see myself retiring. If I still enjoy it, then I will keep riding."
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Vingegaard has eyes first on the Giro d'Italia before some smaller stage race goals will begin to line-up in his sights: “Obviously this would be a big goal for me, winning here in the Giro. But I also haven’t won all the one week stage races, which would be nice to win. I’ve won a few of them, so that’s also nice, but there are still some big races for me to try to win.”
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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MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Seriously do you think when somebody gets into a serious accident, the ambulance is called by the hurt person?🤦 there is always a buddy system in place for a risky job. police , firefighters etc so that if someone gets hurt, the other call that in.abstractengineer07-11-2026
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- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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