"It's a shame, both for Jonas and his image" - Bjarne Riis disappointed by Visma's poor communication about Dane's health

Criterium du Dauphiné is only Jonas Vingegaard's third appointment of 2025 and first start since the Paris-Nice back in March. His departure from the French stage race was wrapped in a mystery and misguiding information from his team Visma | Lease a Bike.

Vingegaard withdrew from Paris-Nice after crashing - officially due to a blow to the arm - but ten days later the double Tour winner revealed himself that he actually suffered a concussion. "It took so long before an explanation came, and I think that's poor. I know it's tough and harsh, but that's how it is," Bjarne Riis expresses his concern in a reaction for BT.

"Now I'm not thinking as myself, but as a fan. I think they should have announced his concussion a little earlier. It's disappointing that it came so late that people started speculating about where Jonas was and why he wasn't racing."

It was ultimately the Dane himself who brought out the news. No official communication from Visma | Lease a Bike at all. "I don't blame Jonas for that, but the team. It's their duty to tell Jonas that they need to get this out. Maybe he and his family think they should keep it to themselves, but that's wrong." 

Riis sees this is a massive oversight by the managment to keep such crucial information secret from public. "The team should make a decision to announce it to their fans. Then there will be more understanding, less criticism, and people will be less skeptical about what is wrong with Jonas," says Bjarne Riis.

Then it puts the Dane in a bad spotlight. "It's a shame, both for Jonas and his image. This kind of thing needs to come out before all sorts of speculation comes. It seems unprofessional, if you ask me. They're sleeping in class, and it's completely unnecessary."