Jonas Vingegaard falls into criticism from Michel Wuyts: "Why does Vingegaard not do anything for Van Aert?"
CyclingSunday, 02 July 2023 at 10:35
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.
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- Times have changed, so have mentalities ;-)Jumpyjohn07-06-2025
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leedorney07-06-2025 - Well Mario, you lost all of your Giros but you are still hereabstractengineer07-06-2025
- Not sure this type of show will always be looked on positivelyMistermaumau06-06-2025
- Strategy? What strategy? They had less than Viable had at the Vuelta Kuss won. When you read management trying to offload blame with turns like « we tried to encourage him » (IDT) to watch Yates, you have to ask, is anyone directing anything? How about TELLING him?Mistermaumau06-06-2025
- They don’t half come up with some crap to turn events into stories. Problem is, if all this was true and so influential, that means 1. Riders are lacking inherent motivation and possibilities for motivation, 2. it’s due to race radio chatter he won and 3. They were lucky no attention was given and race radio didn’t mention him. In fact you are basically admitting outside influence skewed the race and if it works, this technique might get exploited commercially in future by corrupt or biased staff, rivals and officials. So c’mon guys, let’s stay a little factual coz otherwise you’re only going to shoot yourselves in the feet.Mistermaumau06-06-2025
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James2631806-06-2025 - Glad it worked for Yates, I don't believe for 1 second that UAE would conduct themselves like so with Pog. #nowayleedorney06-06-2025
The author doesnt know his a$$ from a hole in the wall, nor does any fan who thinks Wout would want Jonas to burn a single match for him to win a stage. ALL that matters to Jumbo is winning the GC and every day is about that goal and that goal only. Burning energy and taking risks are not on the checklist of GC favorites. Tadej wastes energy when he shouldnt and he has paid for it both last year and already this year. Right now the Jumbo team cohesion is likely excellent because they are right where they want to be so far.
Forgot who "gave" Wout the win at stage 20 last year Michel!!
Am I the only one who thinks it is a bit funny that this criticism comes from a Belgian?
Am I the only one who remembers what a beastly Tour de France WVA rode last year, in service of Jonas V? He effectively saved JV's scrawny butt in the cobble stage.
Not giving something back when you have a perfect opportunity for it, is plain stupid imo. It will annoy WVA and the team mates who did so much work on Sunday.
He is delusional. Jonas gave all support for Laporte in the Dauphine. Here the stakes are much higher. A stage win is not a priority. Even Wout knows that. Why Wout didn't sprint. Since he is no longer going for Green does not make any sense. Jumbo know that the only chance is to drop Pogi in the mountains, they cant stop him from taking bonis in the sprint, he is too good.
Agreed!