Key Vingegaard domestique in race against time to be ready for the Tour de France: “It is now time for a quick and complete recovery”

Just one day after celebrating Simon Yates’ historic Giro d’Italia victory, Team Visma | Lease a Bike have been dealt a significant blow. Frenchman Axel Zingle, who had been in strong contention for a Tour de France selection, has suffered a fractured vertebra in his neck and now faces a race against time to be fit for July’s Grand Départ in Lille.

Zingle crashed while leading the Jours de Dunkerque during the queen stage around Cassel. Initially, the damage appeared minor, but further tests revealed a fracture in the C7 vertebra, located at the base of the neck.

"After my fall in the Jours de Dunkerque, some tests were carried out. It turns out that I do have a fracture,” Zingle told French media. “It concerns a fracture in the C7 vertebra, a vertebra on the outside of the neck. I will therefore have to pass on the upcoming competitions. It is now time for a quick and complete recovery. I hope so.”

The injury is particularly ill-timed. Zingle had been enjoying excellent form and was on pole position to win the 69th edition of the Dunkirk race before the crash forced him to abandon in the leader’s jersey. His withdrawal from upcoming races adds to a growing list of injury concerns for Visma ahead of the Tour.

Christophe Laporte is also likely to miss the Tour de France due to injury, thinning Visma's depth of support for team leader Jonas Vingegaard. However, the Dutch team can take comfort in the strength of their remaining lineup. Giro champion Simon Yates, now widely regarded as one of the signings of the season, is expected to join Vingegaard in France, alongside Wout van Aert and probably Sepp Kuss.

They’ll face fierce competition from UAE Team Emirates – XRG, who are building their Tour squad around Tadej Pogacar. The Slovenian will be supported by Adam Yates and João Almeida, as he aims to capture a fourth yellow jersey.