“It's about being with my family” – Jonas Vingegaard sets priorities ahead of Tadej Pogacar showdown

Jonas Vingegaard is set to return to racing at the 2025 Critérium du Dauphiné, marking his first competitive appearance since abandoning Paris-Nice with a concussion all the way back in March. The highly anticipated comeback will see the Dane face off against Tadej Pogacar for the first time this season, with the race kicking off on June 8th.

In an interview with BT, the two-time Tour de France winner spoke candidly about his extended absence from Denmark as he ramps up preparations for a third yellow jersey.

“Since I left Denmark at the end of April to ride some of the Tour stages with Grischa (Niermann, sports director Team Visma | Lease a Bike) I have not been back in Denmark,” Vingegaard said.

His reasoning is purely practical, focused on training rather than sentiment, “This is not to speak badly about Denmark, but there are no mountains, so of course the best preparation is here in the south. It is also warm here, which is good. Both the terrain and the weather here are better."

Despite spending months abroad, Vingegaard has not been without the support of his loved ones. His wife, Trine, and daughter, Frida, often accompany him during training camps and races. And now, with the birth of their son Hugo in September, the family dynamic has expanded.

“For me, it's about being with my family, and it's not like I don't see them for three months. It's never going to be like that.”

“They come down to me, and then we'll be together before the Dauphiné. After the Dauphiné and until the Tour, they'll also be there, so we'll have that time together.”