OPINION | Does Jonas Vingegaard face unnecessary criticism?

Cycling
Monday, 21 October 2024 at 10:26
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Tadej Pogacar has just completed what is arguably the greatest season in cycling history, dominating the sport with a triple crown that includes victories in monuments, classics, and stage races. Pogacar’s dominance is unrivalled in modern cycling, leaving competitors in his wake.

But it is worth remembering that just a year earlier, it was Jonas Vingegaard who dismantled Pogacar at the 2023 Tour de France, raising the question: Does Jonas Vingegaard face unnecessary criticism, especially when compared to the Slovenian superstar?

Pogacar’s dance partner

It’s natural that Vingegaard, as Pogacar’s closest rival, is regularly compared to the UAE Team Emirates leader. After all, they have traded blows at the Tour de France, with Vingegaard emerging victorious in both 2022 and 2023. However, despite his incredible achievements, the Danish rider has been the target of criticism, particularly regarding his defensive style of racing and his absence from the one-day races in which Pogacar thrives.

In a recent episode of The Move podcast, Johan Bruyneel discussed Pogacar’s triumph at Il Lombardia and whether the result would have been different had Vingegaard been present. "At Il Lombardia? Pfft no," Bruyneel said dismissively. "At the maximum, Jonas would have been with Remco. I mean, first of all, he's not a one-day racer. He could be, especially in that kind of race, but it looks like he's not interested."

Bruyneel's comments reflect a common critique of the Team Visma Lease a Bike rider, that he is not as versatile as Pogacar. The Slovenian rider has proven his ability to win in a variety of race formats, while Vingegaard tends to focus primarily on stage races. While this difference in racing style could be perceived as a flaw, it's important to recognise that Vingegaard has used his specialised skill set to consistently beat Pogacar in the most prestigious race of all, the Tour de France.

The same podcast noted that Vingegaard’s absence from late-season races is also tied to his personal life, as the Danish rider recently welcomed a new child into his family. "Yeah but, having a child is not really a reason to finish your season," Bruyneel countered. "I mean, after the Tour de France, he did win the Tour de Pologne. Didn't win a single stage, but he won the overall. But he cut his season short quite early."

There is some truth to the notion that Vingegaard’s season ended earlier than expected, but this overlooks the fact that his Tour de France performances have been nothing short of spectacular. After all, it was Vingegaard who shattered the perception of Pogacar’s invincibility in the 2022 Tour de France, delivering a masterclass on the Col du Granon that stunned the cycling world.

Before the 2022 Tour, Pogacar was seen as nearly unbeatable. That changed when Vingegaard attacked on the mighty Col du Granon (11.28 km, 9.20%) with 4 kilometres to go, cracking Pogacar and seizing the yellow jersey. This moment was pivotal in reshaping the narrative of the rivalry between the two riders, showing that Pogacar was not untouchable after all.

Jonas Vingegaard is still Pogacar's main rival
Jonas Vingegaard is still Pogacar's main rival

Fast forward to the 2023 Tour, and Vingegaard took his dominance to another level. The highly anticipated individual time trial on Stage 16 was meant to be a decisive battleground between the two rivals, but it was Vingegaard who emerged as the clear winner. Pogacar had been the fastest to the first time check, but Vingegaard went 16 seconds quicker, setting the tone for what would become a devastating performance.

By the second time check, Vingegaard had extended his lead over Pogacar by 31 seconds, opting not to change his bike and continuing to press his advantage. The Danish rider’s relentless pace saw him finish the time trial 1:38 ahead of Pogacar, an astonishing margin that all but sealed his second successive Tour de France title.

The day after, Vingegaard further cracked Pogacar on the brutal slopes of the Col de la Loze, cementing his place as the Tour’s dominant figure. While Pogacar’s aggressive and explosive style might have captivated the fans, it was Vingegaard’s methodical and disciplined approach that earned him victory in the sport’s most prestigious race. Without Vingegaard in the picture, Pogacar’s 2024 dominance could have been even more monotonous for fans who have grown accustomed to his winning ways.

One of the most memorable moments of the 2024 Tour was on Stage 11, where Vingegaard outsprinted Pogacar in a rare head-to-head defeat for the Slovenian. The two riders, the best climbers in the world, went all out in the Massif Central, producing one of the most exciting clashes of the season. In the end, it was Vingegaard who crossed the finish line first, handing Pogacar a rare defeat in what had otherwise been an unstoppable season for him.

So yes, Pogacar is dominating right now. But that can very quickly change.

A Giro-Tour double battle?

As the cycling world looks to the future, speculation about Vingegaard’s plans for 2025 is already circulating. Reports from the Italian media suggest that Vingegaard may attempt the Giro-Tour double, replicating Pogacar’s pursuit of grand tour glory. But the question remains: Does Vingegaard need to emulate Pogacar’s schedule, or should he continue to focus on his strengths?

Of course, cycling fans would love to see Vingegaard and Pogacar face off as often as possible, but the reality is that Vingegaard’s best weapon against Pogacar is his unique racing style. While Pogacar’s explosive attacks often steal the headlines, it’s Vingegaard’s ability to grind down his rivals on the long, high-altitude climbs that has given him the upper hand at the Tour de France.

Pogacar is a showman, a rider who thrives on dramatic, crowd-pleasing attacks. Vingegaard, on the other hand, is more reserved, focused on his calculated approach to racing. There is nothing wrong with this, in fact, it’s precisely what has allowed him to beat Pogacar on the sport’s biggest stage.

The criticism of Vingegaard for being a defensive rider or for not competing in one-day races like Pogacar may be unfounded. While it would be exciting to see him challenge in the classics or monuments, Vingegaard has already proven that he can deliver when it matters most. His success at the Tour de France in 2022 and 2023 shows that he has found a blueprint that works, and perhaps he should stick to it.

If Vingegaard does attempt the Giro-Tour double, it should be because he wants to, not because he feels the need to replicate Pogacar. His achievements already speak for themselves, and he does not need to change his style to satisfy critics or chase after Pogacar’s varied victories. Jonas Vingegaard is a champion in his own right, and the cycling world should remember that.

In conclusion, while Jonas Vingegaard may not have the same flamboyant style as Tadej Pogacar, his approach has proven just as effective in the biggest races. The criticism he faces may stem from the natural desire to see him go head-to-head with Pogacar in every race, but Vingegaard has shown that there is more than one way to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Rather than trying to be someone he’s not, Vingegaard should continue to embrace his strengths, after all, they’ve taken him to the top of the Tour de France twice already.

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21 Comments
maaiikeen 20 December 2024 at 14:33+ 450

I am glad to finally see an article with this opinion. Too many so-called journalists and experts line up to criticise Jonas for everything. The races he does not choose to race, his introvert personality etc. People cannot herald Pogacar as the absolute GOAT, that he can do something no one else has ever been able to while clean, while also expecting Jonas to do the same. It makes no sense. The fact that Pogacar, and Remco to some extent, are so versatile and can do what they do is unique. It's completely bonkers to expect the same from every GC rider in the peloton. Imagine if Jonas cannot be competitive because he stretches himself too thin, and Pogacar dominates the Tour de France as well with ease? Do people really want to see that? People should also remember it's possible to support someone without tearing others down. If you want your favourite rider to be able to ride anything and win it, then that's great. Root for the likes of Pogacar and Remco. It does not mean you have to tear down Jonas. Just respect his choices. Maybe one day he will attempt one-day races again, maybe not. He should only do it if that's what he wants to do. Lastly, people should also remember Jonas is a family man. He has a wife and two small children now. It is only natural that he will race less than those who do not have a family at home waiting for them. If it were me, I'd rather be gone for a week or a month for a GT a few times a year, instead of leaving for multiple days all the time to prepare for one-day races.

jpmillerswitz 20 December 2024 at 14:34+ 13

Why do we continue to support Johan Bruyneel, allowing him a soapbox to comment on a sport that he helped nearly ruin? If we no longer quote him, and simply ignore him, then he will have more incentive to go out and find gainful employment away from cycling. The same with Lance, George, etc.

Pogboom 25 October 2024 at 21:13+ 190

It is totally unfair criticism. Why would Jonas compete in a style of race that does not suit him? Why is no one criticising one day champions for not riding as leaders at GCs? Fair criticism would be if a rider has the ability but does not give it 100%. Cycling is a tough sport and no other sport has such high demand for energy output during so many hours in one day, let alone across several days. I think all pro cyclists should be celebrated for their dedication to a sport that has so little return!

pinkBenny 20 December 2024 at 14:34+ 20

The very fact the Jonas made the tdf this year is miraculous in itself. Apart from the broken bones he suffered a punctured lung, which can kill a body, and is not easy to recover from and still maintain the same lung capacity. I think facing death at the same time his new baby was due to arrive had a huge impact mentally. In several interviews throughout the tour he mentioned he nearly died in the crash. Hopefully for next year he'll be fully recovered mentally as well as physically to add some excitement back into the season. It's just too predictable when Tadej is in the race.

slappers66 23 October 2024 at 17:27+ 147

I think the key is simple Pogacar is beating everyone else, everywhere. Until Jonas can do that too then he'll always be criticised as one dimensional. That's not his fault but people are allowed to speak as they find. He's a fine GC rider but the rise of Tadej means that people in the sport, the media pundits, bloggers, vloggers, fans are looking to him for more, to challenge Tadej more often than three weeks in July.

Mistermaumau 22 October 2024 at 16:50+ 3196

What I really hate about this website, even more than the cheap reporting it sometimes resorts to, is the fact that it sometimes reloads whilst you’re writing a comment and you lose everything, all in the name of stuffing more advertising (+ tools to analyse) into every last corner. It turns readers anti and does your advertisers no good whatsoever because we then consciously decide NOT to be tempted to click. In agreement with others here on the subject, maybe I’ll post more thoughts later.

Mistermaumau 20 December 2024 at 14:35+ 3196

So, to summarise my 2 thoughts b4 things reload. Firstly, why is the media obsessed with comparing only JV against him, there are other riders too and they rarely get criticism for not beating TP. Secondly, considering where JV came from he did a highly respectable TdF, in fact, had TP not been discovered this would have been his 4th in a row and most likely not his last. Stop knocking him and enjoy the fact we have a REAL race each year.

mikebeast 22 October 2024 at 20:44+ 91

I bet that is extremely annoying. A tip to help avoid that problem - write your comment elsewhere then paste it in. It's a workaround that shouldn't be required but at least it will keep your blood pressure down.

Mistermaumau 24 October 2024 at 01:29+ 3196

I used to do that in the old days when it was tech that was dodgy but as it only happens on this website I’ve not gotten used to workarounds again. There are worse problems though, all due to internet updating going far faster than sorting out bugs, which have become a nightmare to report and don’t seem to interest anyone even when it’s your bank’s accounting that’s wrong or incoming e-mails that get fused (new title with old body instead of the one corresponding to the new title), and the list of others is too long to start. But thanks for the input :-)

abstractengineer 20 December 2024 at 14:36+ 3085

Vingegaard is the 2nd best GC rider. When he becomes 4th best he can think about what other people say. Till that time he can show the middle finger to guys like LA and Bruyneel

Laz 20 December 2024 at 14:36+ 23

why should Jonas (or any other racer), care for what other folks say ? talk is cheap and easy- being a pro in the peloton is not- and that's where it matters. ignore the conversation, the scuttlebutt and cheap shots- focus on the job at hand. chapeau

Hills33 22 October 2024 at 01:40+ 19

When UAE announced that Pogacar would be doing the Giro-Tour double, Vingegaard responded that he would be taking notes for when he did it too. In other words, he already intended to do it, just not in 2024. But he will be able to take useful tips from the 2024 Giro.

vappaxbipmv 21 October 2024 at 23:14+ 739

What tips can he take tho? Have an easy route and no real competition? 😅

Hills33 22 October 2024 at 20:46+ 19

😊 How best to use the Giro as training for the Tour, while winning, I guess!

vappaxbipmv 21 October 2024 at 10:41+ 739

But that's solely dependent on how easy you make it through. So easy course, no competition, no sickness, no crashes, etc. You need to be able to easily win in while you're not at 100%

Hills33 22 October 2024 at 15:55+ 19

Yes, UAE were exceptionally lucky this year. It seemed like they were taking too much risk by trying the Giro-Tour double, but it was their rivals who were focusing on the Tour who were badly injured in a crash. Re the easy course, it does sound like the Giro organisers might discuss that with UAE or Visma if they showed serious interest in sending Tadej or Jonas, respectively.

seven17 22 October 2024 at 20:45+ 20

The Giro-Tour double was not risk taking for UAE. Tadej's new coach saw the Giro as the perfect prep for the Tour.

RidesHills 22 October 2024 at 20:46+ 564

Comparing Vingegaard to Pogacar is fine, but Pogacar now has 4 grand tours to his 2. In addition, Pogacar has 7 Monuments, to Van der Poel's 6. So Vingegaard has the problem that he's only competing with half of what makes Pogacar so unique. Is that unfair? Is he judged harshly for it? It's interesting that he hasn't really raced any one-day classics or Monuments since 2022, and he's a supremely good GC rider. That used to be totally fine, when ranking riders, but in this day of Pogacar, Evenepoel, and Roglic, who have all won grand tours and Monuments in the same seasons, plus many other classics, it doesn't stand out the same way.

slappers66 21 October 2024 at 11:32+ 147

This...

maaiikeen 20 December 2024 at 14:37+ 450

In fairness, we all know Jonas should have 3 GTs. He would have won Vuelta in 2023 with relative ease if not for his teammate being in the red jersey. Jonas and Tadej might have started out the same year, but Vingegaard is around 2 years behind Pogacar when it comes to development. In 2022, people still expected Roglic to be the better of the two riders, and that Jonas would end up riding for Roglic by the end of the TdF. That's only 2 years ago. It is fine to want more out of your riders, but then people should support the riders that give them that instead of criticising those who do not. Jonas will make an attempt at one-day races if he feels like it. If he does not, people should respect that. Alternatively, he ends up stretching himself too thin, and Pogacar will end up having no real competition in the Tour de France either. Is that what people want?

Mistermaumau 20 December 2024 at 14:38+ 3196

In fairness, Tadej is lucky to have 3 TdFs, only just getting past Rogliç at the last moment was not something he’d counted on or planned. So close to being 2nd while so many use the fact he has 3 as there being such a big difference, as far as GTs go there is no big difference between these two.

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