Jonas Vingegaard has proven himself as one of the leading Grand Tour riders of his generation over recent years, but the
Team Visma | Lease a Bike leader is yet to truly prove himself in the one-day races. In fact, Vingegaard has never even raced in the colours of the Danish national team. In 2025 though, that could finally bet set to change, with the Rainbow Jersey intentions of the 28-year-old Dane confirmed.
“He hasn’t been officially selected yet, so I can’t definitively say he will be at the Worlds. But I can certainly confirm that Jonas is interested in riding the
World Championships," reveals the new Danish national coach
Michael Morkov in conversation with
DR Sporten. "And given the level he’s shown in recent years, he would undoubtedly be part of the national team.”
As mentioned, Vingegaard is yet to take part in a World Championships, a European Championships or an Olympic Games for his nation, but Morkov now believes the time is right for the two-time Tour de France winner to don the red jersey of his nation. “There’s a certain prestige in riding for the Danish national team. I think it’s only natural that Jonas, at this point in his career — and with a World Championship course that suits him — is eager to take part,” he insists.
With a climber friendly parcours on offer in Rwanda, this could be the most realistic chance Vingegaard has to claim the iconic Rainbow Jersey. And with Denmark having a strong crop of riders at the minute, Morkov is optimistic he can give his compatriot every chance of taking success.
“It’s very positive. As national coach, it’s one of my main goals to make it attractive for riders to represent Denmark and to be able to field our best talent,” he explains. “I’m obviously very pleased that both Jonas and
Mattias Skjelmose are highly motivated for the World Championships in Rwanda this fall. We’re talking about two of the world’s best climbers.”
“The route suits him well — it’s very hilly and has a lot of elevation gain. You could say Jonas is best on longer climbs, which this course doesn’t have. But the race will be held at around 1,500 meters of altitude, which means thinner air — and that’s something Jonas has shown he handles very well," Morkov concludes. "I think it’s a good course for both Jonas and Mattias.”
Roads outside the capital are some of the best in the world, tarmac smooth as track. Beautiful tea-plantation landscapes, perfect weather, delicious cheap fruit. People are friendly but « sticky » with cyclists. Truck and bus drivers are criminal, you’ll experience feeling like Bernal anywhere busy. Globally not cheap. Genocide museum is peaceful but heavy. Lake Kivu is amazing (also to swim in) but has some dark « mysteries » Take a dirty bike, they’ll clean (chain too) & oil it for 1$. If you have a spare old working bike, consider saving on its return ticket and helping local cycling/triathlon associations, they’re athletes have nothing and they’ll find a way to keep it alive with whatever means, like connecting an old spoke to any broken one to retighten a wheel. Tourist attractions are expensive but pay for useful activities (protecting wildlife mainly). Plastic bags are banned, theft is very badly frowned upon so unlikely, service is generally bad but it helps if you explain what you expect. Go do it, it’s a great experience (if you wait a few more years, cycling friend of mine is building rental homes at the lake and will be organising bike tours).