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.”