Expectations weren't all that high for Jonas Vingegaard at the 2024 Tour de France, given all he's been through so far in 2024. In the surest sign yet of his recovery however, the defending Tour champion was the only man able to follow Tadej Pogacar's first attack of the race on stage 2.
“Today was a really good day for me,” reflected a very upbeat Team Visma | Lease a Bike leader in his post-stage interview with the assembled press, having matched his old rival on the steep slopes of the San Luca and moved up to 3rd in the general classification after two stages. “It was one of those days where I expected to lose some time to Pogacar, so to be able to follow him feels like a win.”
When Pogacar made his move, only Vingegaard was quick enough and strong enough to react. Despite the two Tour de France titans working in tandem on the descent however, Remco Evenepoel and Richard Carapaz were able to bridge across and ensure the fight for the Maillot Jaune isn't a two horse race just yet.
“We rode a high pace from the start of the climb and UAE Emirates took over. When Pogacar attacked, I was fortunately able to follow him. At the top, I decided to ride with him,” recalls the 27-year-old Vingegaard, who showed no affects of his nightmare preparation, either mentally or physically. “My pedal hit the ground somewhere along the way and I thought back to the injuries. But I wouldn’t say I’m afraid on the descents.”
“It is difficult to start a race when you do not know how good you are. I have trained for a month and a half so it was very difficult to say where I would be,” concludes Vingegaard with the confidence visibly growing in his demeanour. “I also doubted myself, that's not a lie. But now I can say that I am back and I hope we have three good weeks here.”
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