"Poor form from Jonas" - Vingegaard criticised after skipping media duties post-stage 12 disappointment at 2025 Tour de France

For so long in their rivalry, Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard have been relatively evenly matched when it comes to the biggest battles. On stage 12 of the 2025 Tour de France however, Vingegaard was handed a brutal beating by his long-time rival, losing more than two minutes on the first day in the Pyrenees.

Afterwards, clearly incredibly disappointed, Vingegaard rushed past the assembled media at the finish line, and headed straight into the Team Visma | Lease a Bike team bus, looking to get off the Hautacam mountain as quickly as possible. According to the Dane's compatriot and fellow former Tour de France winner Bjarne Riis however, this wasn't the best of moves from Vingegaard.

"I think it’s a bit poor form from Jonas not to say anything to the press," Riis explained in his coverage of the 2025 Tour de France for BT.dk, noting how he does at least understand his compatriot's urge to get away. "He probably needs a bit of peace and quiet, and will speak on Friday — though that will be limited too, since it’s a time trial."

Whilst the urge to get away from the media and debrief the day in peace was understandable, Riis believes Vingegaard should have at least said a few words, if only to keep up appearances. "It could work against him, not coming out to talk. Just come out and say: 'Hey, it wasn’t my day, I wasn’t at my best, I’m disappointed, and I don’t have much to say. I need to go home, reflect, and I’ll be back,'" concludes the experienced Dane. "I would’ve had a lot of respect for that. It’s tough when you’re right in the thick of it, but it’s part of the game. I think you’ve got to take it all — the highs and the lows."