Jonas Vingegaard falls into criticism from Michel Wuyts: "Why does Vingegaard not do anything for Van Aert?"

The opening stage of the Tour de France saw a battle for the overall classification right away as Adam Yates soared to a strong win and took over the yellow jersey. Jumbo-Visma was put on the back foot, however Michel Wuyts has launched criticism over Jonas Vingegaard not sacrificing himself for Wout van Aert.

“This is definitely a missed opportunity for Van Aert. I saw four Jumbo-Visma riders in the chasing group and mainly saw Wilco Kelderman working. I also saw a passive Vingegaard”, Michel Wuyts said in a commentary for Het Laatste Nieuws. “Vingegaard didn't want to take over from Tadej Pogačar at the top of the last climb and didn't take over on the descent either. Okay, he's the Tour winner and then you can say: he doesn't have to. But it doesn't hurt, you won't get tired of it. I can imagine that Van Aert is a very disappointed man.”

The climb to the Côte de Pike saw Vingegaard respond to the attack of Tadej Pogacar, who he covered throughout the difficult opening day. That allowed Yates to take time and the upper hand, whilst Jumbo-Visma had Sepp Kuss and Wilco Kelderman lead the chasing group to close the gap for both GC and stage ambitions. Wout van Aert was in the group and was a favourite for the sprint, but the group was unable to make the catch - with Tadej Pogacar winning the sprint and taking four seconds in bonifications.

“The fact that Van Aert is no longer making efforts to take away a place of honor in the sprint says a lot. I think the disappointment was too great. It's a recurring story. Van Aert likes to be of service and is a team player. The leader is apparently much less so. I used to see men like Jan Ullrich and Bradley Wiggins ride in service. Why does Vingegaard not do anything for Van Aert? I do not understand. He has disappointed me a little bit," Wuyts says.