Jonas Vingegaard "went a bit over the limit" - Jumbo-Visma admit disappointing day at Paris-Nice

Jonas Vingegaard put on an aggressive display today at Paris-Nice, as he tried to attack the race, but came home with an underwhelming result after going too deep in the final climb.

"Today wasn't our best day. Jonas felt really good, but at the end he went a bit over the limit. Which ultimately broke him down," team DS Grischa Niermann told reporters after the stage finish. "He shouldn't have. But that's racing. On the last climb it would all depend on Jonas anyway. At that moment I wasn't worried.'

In the ascent to La Loge des Gardes the Dane launched an explosive attack early into the ascent, taking only Tadej Pogacar with him. It was a move that didn't capitalize to anything, but the decisive action came afterwards as Pogacar attacked with 2.5 kilometers to go. The attack was too much for anyone to follow, and the Tour de France champion went over the red in trying to close the gap. In the final 1.5 kilometers he then lost a lot of time, coming home fifth on the day 43 seconds down.

"Of course he's disappointed. Maybe he shouldn't have attacked himself. But he felt good and wanted to try. But he didn't succeed." Asked if Vingegaard can still challenge for the yellow jersey (he currently sits 44 seconds behind Pogacar) Niermann responded: "We will see. The race doesn't finish until Sunday afternoon and we won't give up until then. But I think Pogacar in his 'spring form' is incredibly good. That is not only the case this year, but we already know that from previous years. He looks very strong."

Following the stage Vingegaard, disappointed, headed to the team bus. As has been the case over the last few days noticeably putting on a face mask, as Niermann reveals: “We have some Covid cases in the team. The rest of the world may not see it anymore, but it's still a problem for us. We ask our riders to stay away from the public and the media and to wear a mask where possible, as we don't want any sick riders."