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Jumbo-Visma manager confirms that "winning the Tour de France is still our goal" and is keen on UAE's vulnerability
CyclingTuesday, 12 July 2022 at 12:02
Jumbo-Visma find themselves in a similar position to 2020 where they are actively fighting for the Tour de France victory, however team manager Richard Plugge is keen on pointing out the differences in mentality, strategy and assets that the Dutch team have to battle Tadej Pogacar.
“I think we can be half satisfied. We had hoped in the first week to strike a blow and not lose a blow. We can already see Tadej Pogačar riding in the yellow jersey. The bad luck that Primož Roglič had in the cobblestone stage is unfortunate," Plugge told Wielerflits. The chaotic stage into Arenberg proved costly for Primoz Roglic, however Jonas Vingegaard's GC ambitions remained intact after strong collective work. The Slovenian though dislocated his shoulder in a late crash, and suffered a time loss of around two minutes.
"The fact that he is more than two minutes away is a disappointment. For the rest, I think we can look back positively," he added. "Wout van Aert is in very good shape in the green jersey. We won two stages and had the yellow jersey for four days. And Jonas Vingegaard is still in good shape in second place. Winning the Tour de France is still our goal.”
As for how the team will eye the coming stages, Plugge offers some inside perspective: "The fact that Vingegaard is still less than a minute behind offers perspective. And Primož is a fighter, a warrior. Of course we would have preferred to see him closer in the standings, but to have him in this position also opens up a lot of opportunities. If necessary, he can attack early in a mountain stage."
Jumbo-Visma have shown depth in all terrains and are seemingly in superiority for the high mountains - also benefiting from inferior workload in comparison to UAE Team Emirates. He senses that Pogacar is under pressure. “Pogačar's team is vulnerable. He himself is super strong. Indeed, the fact that he is fighting for every second indicates that he realizes that he may need that lead someday," he said.
Sure enough with most of the race's decisive stages ahead, the Tour is yet to reach it's crucial phase. "In 2020 we got the lid on our noses, but this was also an important lesson. In recent years we have developed very well as a team in this area. We are a lot further ahead strategically, tactically and in keeping the peace. Now we know what to do and especially what not to do," Plugge concluded.
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