Miguel Indurain: "Vingegaard is more of a rouleur who chooses a fixed rhythm, and Pogačar is more explosive and changes rhythm more often"

The face-off between Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard will be in the spotlight at Paris-Nice. The French race will provide plenty opportunities for the climbers to show their worth and former Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain has analysed the upcoming battle.

Having been present in person at Gran Camino, Indurain witnessed first-hand the dominance of Jonas Vingegaard. “He was in a class of his own. We are still early in the season and he is already showing good form. We all know he is a top rider, but I am surprised by his level of form," he told Wielerflits.

Three mountain stages alongside a steep hilly day, a team time-trial, cold weather and possible strong winds make for a brutal race in the 'Race to the Sun'. The two are the main contenders for the yellow jersey having shown great legs during February, however both have claimed to not be at their best.

“The showdown in the Tour will be the most important duel for Vingegaard and Pogačar. Then you have to be in top form. Now they are doing some tests to really be there in the Tour," Indurain believes. Simon Yates, Daniel Martínez and David Gaudu will be among the remaining contenders for victory, however it will be a tough ask seeing how first and second of the Tour will be at the start.

Whilst Pogacar put on aggressive and thrilling displays over southern Spain over the course of February, taking in total five wins and proving his form at the Vuelta a Andalucia, Vingegaard has won four, completely dominating the modest yet tough Gran Camino route.

“They are more climbers than I was. Perhaps Vingegaard is more of a rouleur who chooses a fixed rhythm, and Pogačar is more explosive and changes rhythm more often," the stage-racing legend states.

Finally, the Spaniard also commented on a notable change that has been visible in pro cycling, and is specifically on display at this year's Tour edition. “And now there are fewer time trials. I think that's a shame, because cycling has fewer and fewer time trials," he concluded.