Jonas Vingegaard's World Championship absence "a great pity" according to Danish national coach: "First of all, he must report himself ready for selection"

The World Championships will be on the programme for many of the peloton's biggest names on the 29th of September in Zurich. One of those who won't be present however, will be Danish superstar, Jonas Vingegaard.

In the absence of the two-time Tour de France winner, the Danes have opted for a team built around the dual pronged attack of Mads Pedersen and Mattias Skjelmose. Despite being hopeful success is still on the cards, Danish national coach Anders Lund admits some disappointment that another year has gone by without Vingegaard pulling on his national team's jersey.

"It is of course a pity that he will not be part of the team, but I can understand him," Lund tells Ekstra Bladet, noting the combination of an injury hit season and the fact Vingegaard's wife is nearing childbirth. "Physically, he has not gotten any closer to the national team, as he is not in the national team jersey this year. But everything this season has indicated that Jonas would like to. In this way, he has come closer. That it doesn't work out this year, that's what it is. But the movement towards the national team, which is now from Jonas, I hope will continue."

Whilst no rider is automatically selected, Lund admits it would be hard to turn down Vingegaard if the Team Visma | Lease a Bike leader were to throw his name into the hat for selection. "First of all, he must report himself ready for selection. Then you have to look at how the route suits him and how he is riding. Even though Jonas is a wonderful cyclist, there are no free places on the national team," Lund explains. "You can't just raise your hand and sign up for the national team. But when you are as skilled as Jonas, the chance of being one of the eight best is fairly high."

"There are championships that suit him well. Also in the future. At the same time, he must be able to balance setting himself up for a very, very tough Tour de France. Having to balance those things starts with a desire," Lund concludes, optimistic that Vingegaard will, before too long, be seen in the Danish national jersey. "I have felt that desire from Jonas this year."