"It’s great to race against Tadej Pogacar, but it’s also nice when he’s not there” - Relaxed Jonas Vingegaard embraces pressure of Vuelta favouritism

Nearly four weeks after finishing runner-up once again at the 2025 Tour de France, Jonas Vingegaard heads into the Vuelta a Espana as the clear favourite. The Dane’s consistent form and tactical nous have established him as the rider to beat, but his attitude towards the pressure is remarkably composed — especially with key rivals like Tadej Pogacar absent.

“It’s always great to race against Tadej,” Vingegaard told the media during his pre-race virtual press conference. “But it’s also nice when he’s not there.” While Pogacar remains the benchmark in grand tours, his absence at this year’s Vuelta opens a door for Vingegaard to pursue his first victory in Spain with less direct competition from his fiercest rival.

With Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel, and Primoz Roglic all out of the Vuelta, Vingegaard is the natural favourite. Yet he insists the pressure feels lighter than it did at the Tour de France. “The Tour brings so much more attention and expectation. Here, I’m focused on the race itself and my own performance.”

The Vuelta is a target Vingegaard holds dear. “Winning the Vuelta is definitely a goal in my career, and I’m here to achieve it,” he confirmed. This ambition is backed by a thorough preparation; after the Tour, he spent quality time with family near Lake Annecy and managed to complete nearly all his training objectives.

Although Vingegaard experienced a few “off days” during the Tour, he maintains those challenges won’t define his season. “That can happen to anyone in a three-week race. Hopefully, I’ve had my share for the year.” He declined to reveal details about these dips in form but hinted his team has identified some causes, choosing to keep those insights private.

Looking ahead, Vingegaard singled out UAE Team Emirates’ Juan Ayuso and João Almeida as his biggest challengers. “They have two strong riders and will be my main rivals,” he said, acknowledging their tactical depth.

Notably, Vingegaard opted not to train at altitude ahead of the Vuelta. “Physically, altitude training might have been beneficial, but the mental side is equally important. Balancing both is key.”

Reflecting on the evolution of professional cycling, Vingegaard pointed to rising pressures on young riders. “I’m turning 29, and ten years ago, that age was when riders began achieving big results. Now, there’s more pressure at a younger age, which can be exhausting.”

He doesn’t expect riders to maintain peak performance into their late 30s or 40s in this era of intense racing and frequent training camps. “The demands take a toll on the body and mind.”

As the Vuelta kicks off, Jonas Vingegaard stands ready — calm, confident, and hungry to add the red jersey to his growing list of grand tour achievements.