Jonas Vingegaard & Tadej Pogacar on different levels in 2025 says Danish icon: "Visma need to realise that"

The rivalry between Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard is one that has defined the modern era of the Tour de France. Ahead of the 2025 edition though, Vingegaard has a real point to prove, especially considering the all-conquering dominance Pogacar has displayed over the last two seasons.

Starting this Sunday, the pair will go head to head once again in a pre-Tour de France warm up as they face off at the 2025 Critierium du Dauphine. According to Danish cycling icon Bjarne Riis, this could be a real test of where Vingegaard stands in relation to his great rival. “There’s no doubt Dauphiné gives a strong indication,” Riis analyses for BT.dk. "But it’s not decisive — we don’t know how each of them has prepared, or whether they’re racing at 100%.”

There's no doubt in Riis' mind though, that if Vingegaard is to reclaim the Maillot Jaune at the Tour de France later this summer, he'll need to put in a career best performance to do so. “Jonas was strong when he won the Tour in 2023,” he explains. “But that’s not enough to beat the Pogacar we’re seeing today. He’s on a whole different level now, and Visma need to realise that. Pogacar has developed tremendously.”

“I have no doubt Jonas will ride well — but whether he’s progressed enough compared to where Pogacar was two years ago, that’s the real question," the Dane continues. "The two haven’t truly clashed since, not with both at their peak.”

Even last year, where some of Vingegaard's numbers were at their all time best, won't be good enough if he can't sustain them over the course of three weeks - as Riis explains. “Last year, Pogacar only had to defend — he was never really under pressure,” notes the 61-year-old. “Only on the day Jonas won his stage — and even then, Pogacar was off the front, made a mistake, and still didn’t lose time.”

As such, a lot rides on a positive Dauphine for Vingegaard, in order to build up some form and momentum. “I’m curious to see how much muscle Jonas has regained — and how lean he is,” Riis says. “It’s one thing to climb well, but he also needs strong musculature. That only comes with training and serious effort.”

“Pogacar’s acceleration has improved massively, and that could be the key factor if they’re evenly matched. If Jonas can’t match his kick, Pogacar could easily grab 10 seconds here, 20 seconds there," concludes the 1996 Tour de France winner. "In the time trials, I think they’re pretty even — assuming Jonas has a good day.”