“It’s a good thing he’s not riding” – Brian Holm reveals stunning assessment of Vingegaard’s World Championships no-show

Earlier this week we reported that two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard will not make his long-awaited World Championships debut in Rwanda next month. The Danish rider, who is racing the Vuelta a España and is favourite for the red jersey, had originally been expected to chase the rainbow jersey after his Tour de France duel with Tadej Pogacar. Instead, like Pogacar who withdrew from the Vuelta to focus on defending his world title, Vingegaard has stepped away from the Worlds to concentrate solely on Spain. At one point this season, cycling looked set for two more direct battles between Pogacar and Vingegaard, but that prospect has vanished and we will have to wait until 2026 for the duo to race.

Former rider Brian Holm gave his reaction on his podcast, saying, “I felt like this when I heard it: 'shut up, it's a good thing he's not riding. Because now Skjelmose wins.’” Holm went further in his criticism of how Mattias Skjelmose has been handled, noting, “I think they've abused Skjelmose and his talent a bit. The one they're doing in Glasgow... it wasn't very pretty to watch. I think he could have become world champion.”

For Holm, Vingegaard’s absence should open the door. “It's a free ride, but I think he had the strength back then. So I hope they run for Skjelmose. He is preparing for the heights. The others are doing the Vuelta, and Pogacar is doing the Canadian races. I think the best preparation for the World Cup must be an altitude training camp like Skjelmose's. Even without it, he can compete with the best. And that's why I think he can become world champion. He prepares himself the best of all.”

Vingegaard, meanwhile, faced criticism for pulling out, but answered bluntly earlier this week, “I won’t be going to the World Championships. It doesn’t fit into my schedule. I’m focusing instead on the European Championships.” When pressed further, he added, “People are entitled to their opinions. And I’m equally entitled not to care. I have my reasons for the decision, and people should be able to understand that.”

The 2025 Road World Championships will be the first ever staged in Africa and one of the most punishing editions yet, with the men’s elite race featuring 5,475 metres of climbing over 267.5km. Without Vingegaard on the start line, defending champion Pogacar will stand as the overwhelming favourite to defend his rainbow jersey.