"I doubted myself... Now I can say that I am back!" - Jonas Vingegaard growing in confidence after following Tadej Pogacar's first Tour de France attack
CyclingMonday, 01 July 2024 at 11:06
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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- Matthew - ITS NOT A LAMBORGHINI 😁
leedorney25-05-2025 - Amongst several other dubious actions. Still, great for all those passive retirement « investors » in arms manufacturers who can’t (mainly because they don’t want to) see the links. This is my main reason for not cheering on someone like Tadej, who just line the Ronaldos and Benzemas of this world are all to happy to have their (sleeping) conscience bought out.Mistermaumau25-05-2025
- Some people are just mature and stubborn enough to stay within their personal limits despite outside pressure, when you don’t, you end up like Senna, is that what spectators want to provoke with their « demands » on athletes?Mistermaumau25-05-2025
- Nobody ever complained about Froome doing nothing but stage races once he realised he’d NEVER get a result in one-day stuff? Why the different standards?Mistermaumau25-05-2025
- Has he ever unfairly blamed anyone for his own crashes?Mistermaumau25-05-2025
- I have no idea how the points are weighted but hopefully it’s somehow fair and in that case I guess the reason is because 1. Some races are worth more points, 2. You also get points when you don’t win. Maybe MVDP won something in 2014 (or did you mistype?) but his real wins only started in 2019..Mistermaumau25-05-2025
- Asgreen was pretty quiet lately, good to see he’s still got it.Mistermaumau25-05-2025
- Yeah, UAE. What a team! Sponsored by the main financier of the genocide in Darfur. You can't male these things up.Ben25-05-2025
- Vingo's case, more than a desire to be with his family, it seems to be fear of racing and crashing. Yes, cycling is a very dangerous sport; you have to have a lot of confidence, otherwise, it won't be long before the rider gives up. The retirement out of fear starts avoiding running, considering EVERYTHING extremely dangerous, even climbing Montmartre. If Vingo doesn't win again the Tour this year, probably his retirement is near.
maria2024202425-05-2025 - Despicable and disrespectful comments from WVA. How about we blame you too for your own numerous crashes? This is not the way to go for GC standings. It was the organization's fault to place such a bottleneck in a slippery surface for 200 riders.elosanjos25-05-2025
G Predicted collapse happened. All the rest of the leaders got dropped on a 2 K climb and almost collapsed which was not my prediction at all. Stage 4 might be the death knell for the hopes of the Ineos GC
Yes formidable lol. 3 months off and punctured lung no racing and he comes out of the blocks like a rocket.sorry but as the saying goes if it to unbelivable it usually is. I hope he is genuine for the fans as I tip my hat to his efforts but leaving other riders like remco and Rog who are 100 % does nothing to dispel the rumours🫨🫨🫨
Several people here were quick to write him off after his crash.........going so far as to even question why he should line up. Jonas at 90% is still very formidable.
Jonas looked surprisingly good today. It's a long way until we get to Nice, but so far it's looking like it's going to be an exciting battle.
Such a strong athlete!
Get the third tour Jonas!!!
The real test will be in two days, but man, he does look strong.