"It was just a step up in level – more professional" - Visma youngster blown away by teammates at pre-Tour de France training camp

Jonas Vingegaard's Tour de France preparations are well underway at altitude, as the Dane searches for improvements ahead of his quest to reclaim the Maillot Jaune next month. Vingegaard's young teammate Tijmen Graat recently joined the two-time Tour winner at altitude and it's fair to say that the experience has left a lasting impression on the 22-year-old Dutchman.

“I followed my own pace and programme now and then, but overall, it was a fantastic experience. Was it tough? Definitely – haha!” Graat laughs in conversation with In de Leiderstrui, detailing his awe at the level shown by his teammates during the first part of a four-week altitude training camp in the Sierra Nevada. “I went to Tignes last year, but Tiesj Benoot told me this time it was my first real altitude camp. It was just a step up in level – more professional. I’ve learned a great deal and come out of it a better rider.”

One thing that stood out in particular for Graat was the intense professionalism of Team Visma | Lease a Bike during the camp. “You notice it in all sorts of ways," he explains. "A nutritionist on site, the structure of the training sessions, everything is that bit more exacting. It definitely makes you stronger.”

The spell alongside Visma's elite at altitude has already been shown to have been a successful one for Graat. At the recent Tour de Suisse, the 22-year-old looked solid throughout, claiming a 24th overall finish, as his first season at World Tour level continues.

“I have to admit, it took me a while to get used to the level at the beginning,” he says honestly of the jump from under 23s to World Tour. “That battle is on a completely different level compared to the U23 ranks. You have to find a way to get yourself in the right spot, and you have to do it as efficiently as possible – without wasting energy.”

With time still on his side and some very capable leaders to learn from though, Graat could be a name to watch in coming years if his progress continues on the upwards trajectory.