"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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- Wout is an absolute warrior. Trek bossed them all. And JV was nowhere. That being said Id love to see wout winning he’s such a good guy. The giro is long so here’s hoping. I don’t like this article that he should be happy with 2ndmij10-05-2025
- Ineos pretend Thymen's loss is not a big deal, but I don't think this is a good sign. I hope Bernal is fit, would be good for him to have another shot at normal life.Ride197410-05-2025
- To finish second to Mads Petersen in a photo finish, after such a chaotic first stage where Lidl-Trek controlled the race to perfection, while the Visma team was conspicuouly absent, is nothing to be ashamed about. During the interview, Wout was visibly spent, more so than Mads.. but I felt he was more a victor than a loser, given the circumstances. I'm excited to see what Wout will do in this Giro.FredMan10-05-2025
- I feel for Spain. Landa was one of their only two realistic GC hopes.Ride197410-05-2025
- Since the TT has a lot of sharp turns, does that perhaps play in Mads' favor, since he can sprint out of corners faster than many?Ride197410-05-2025
- The point of the article is well taken. Don’t judge a riders grand tour results after one stage. But he is slowly becoming a regular second.mij10-05-2025
- I’m disagreeing with the headline and tone of the article. I don’t even see Wout quoted. And he doesn’t offer excuses. My comment stands. He has no wins in his cobbled monuments. And is second too many times. And shouldn’t accept these results.mij10-05-2025
- Hey, Wout is one of the least excuse seeking riders out there, read the article again and let’s wait and see over the 3 weeks. Also a bad sign if you’re willing to give up on him faster than himself.Mistermaumau09-05-2025
- No more than Primoz at the TdFMistermaumau09-05-2025
- Sorry but Iagree more with the article at this point of the season. Had Mads not had a perfect lead-out it would have been a done deal already.Mistermaumau09-05-2025
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.