"Regardless of how poorly he rode, Jonas was a huge positive" — National coach backs Vingegaard for more Worlds and Euros despite disappointing debut in Danish colours

Jonas Vingegaard's long-anticipated debut in Danish national colours may not have delivered the fairytale result on paper, but the significance of the moment is still resonating inside the national camp. After finally pulling on the red and white jersey at the 2025 European Championships, the two-time Tour de France winner did not reach the finish, stepping off with a little over 100 kilometres remaining.

Yet for national coach Michael Morkov, the day was still a major success — one he hopes proves the start of a long-term commitment to Denmark’s one-day ambitions.

“Jonas was such a big asset to have with the national team. For the elite squad, who are lifted by having a rider of his quality around, but also for all the youth squads," Morkov tells Eurosport. "So regardless of how well or poorly Jonas rode on the day, he has been a very, very positive presence for everyone on the Danish team.”

Despite multiple Grand Tours successes since 2022, Vingegaard has been a more than infrequent figure in national-team colours. His European Championship start in France marked his first senior appearance at a continental or world championships, coming shortly after his triumphant Vuelta a Espana campaign.

The physical toll of that three-week victory was clear. He spent longer than planned off the bike before Euros preparation began and faded earlier than expected on a demanding Ardèche circuit. But his impact went beyond results. “You could feel it among the staff and everyone else — our biggest star, a Tour de France winner, coming to ride for the national team. It lifts everything a level, on both the men’s and women’s side, in my opinion,” Morkov states.

For a Danish programme already buoyed by a golden generation — from the likes of established stars such as Mads Pedersen and Mattias Skjelmose, to rising sensation Albert Philipsen — Vingegaard’s presence brought prestige, authority and belief according to the national coach.

Crucially, the door is firmly open for more. Conversations between rider and coach suggest Vingegaard wants to make national-team racing a regular part of his calendar — provided it fits around Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s Grand Tour priorities.

“We’ve discussed the upcoming championships. And my clear understanding is that Jonas really wants to ride for the national team," Morkov concludes. "There is no doubt he dreams of performing at a championship.”

As Denmark looks toward the 2026 international calendar, the message is clear: one of cycling’s biggest stars is ready to chase more than yellow. He wants glory in red and white too — and the impact might just be transformative for his national team.