“I think Visma were afraid of Tadej Pogacar" - Nathan van Hooydonck assesses former teammates' performance of Tour de France gravel

After playing a key role in Jonas Vingegaard's Tour de France victories in 2022 and 2023, Nathan van Hooydonck is forced to view the action from outside the peloton this time around after his premature retirement due to a heart issue.

Assessing his former Team Visma | Lease a Bike teammates' performance on the incredible gravel stage 9 last Sunday, the 28-year-old Belgian admits Vingegaard and co were in defensive mode throughout. "I think that Visma went into the stage with a very defensive racing tactic. They absolutely did not want to lose any time," he explains in conversation with Vive le Vélo. “I think they were afraid of Tadej Pogacar, not only one of the best Tour riders but also one of the best Classics riders.”

"I understand that they don't ride with Pogacar because they are afraid of a counter attack. The respect for the rider Pogacar is too great for that," continues van Hooydonck, sensing a missed opportunity for his former teammates in the process. "But there is something to be said for doing that during that attack at the end. They were already close to the finish then. The classification could have looked different."

Nevertheless, van Hooydonck understands the trepidation of Vingegaard and Team Visma | Lease a Bike given the differing preparations to this Grand Tour for the Dane and his great rival Pogacar. "Man to man Pogacar is currently better than Jonas," Van Hooydonck admits. "But the third week is extremely tough and maybe they want to keep as many guys as possible at the top of the rankings."

"I think Jonas is better uphill than anyone. He just has to look at Pogacar, although Remco Evenepoel shouldn't just be given time as a gift. He's far too good for that," van Hooydonck concludes. "I think Jonas can still win the Tour de France. I have a lot of confidence in that. And that's why defensive racing was appropriate here."