"It's a shame, both for Jonas and his image" - Bjarne Riis disappointed by Visma's poor communication about Dane's health
CyclingSaturday, 14 June 2025 at 13:42
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."
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Bjarne, think about 1999, Stage 2 Tour de Suisse. You retired in 2000 because of injuries to your knee and elbow. Nothing compared to Jonas's injuris from one year ago. Further, I do not want to hear from an admitted drug cheater. Especially when he is sniping a true champion and hero. Go away Bjarne.
One year ago, Jonas suffered a life-threatening injury that only a decade ago would have been a career-ending injury. He did not quit. Then a concussion this year. He talked about it ! People can die from such injuries - weeks after a concussion due to a slow-growing hematoma. People don't die from knee and elbow injuries.
He was only 14 seconds back on Tadej Pogacar after 4500m of climbing ! Is your ego so fragile that you need to paint this as some kind of shame to Denmark ? or cycling ?
For all his gentle demeanor, I know who is the real man here. It is Jonas.