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Jonas Vingegaard brushes off any feelings of pressure: "I have no problem with the public expecting something from me"
CyclingWednesday, 28 June 2023 at 12:00
Jonas Vingegaard is all set to return to France and defend the Maillot Jaune he won so spectacularly twelve months ago. In the year since a lot has changed for the Dane included and added sense of expectation. However, Vingegaard himself believes he thrives under that pressure.
“It's not that I chose champion status. My motivation is to be a good cyclist. But I have no problem with the public expecting something from me," says the 26-year-old, Jumbo-Visma leader in an in-depth and open interview with RIDE Magazine. "The outside world can expect what they want. I will probably have to disappoint them sometimes, but that doesn't keep me awake. That is part of it when you have won a big race and get supporters.”
Winning the most well known race on the cycling calendar brings with it added things away from the sport. Even people who don't know cycling know the Tour de France. As such, Vingegaard has seen himself launched from cycling star into something of a celebrity.
“I have prepared myself somewhat for the fact that I am stared at in some places, people approach me or want a selfie," he explains. "I know that you have a different status when you have won the Tour and that many people suddenly recognize you. I don't see that as a problem. I put all that attention aside fairly easily. It certainly doesn't affect my life."
"I had to say no many times last winter to requests that were put to me. I used to find it difficult when I had to disappoint people, but you learn to deal with that too," he continues. "You know you have to protect yourself by turning down business. My second place in the 2021 Tour has already taught me that. If people now have an opinion about me because I refuse something, then so be it. I can now put that aside quite easily.”
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