Steven Kruijswijk explains how Primoz Roglic's absence could be a benefit to Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour de France: "Last year it was a bit of a compromise"

With the news being officially confirmed that Primoz Roglic will not be at the start line for Jumbo-Visma at the Tour de France, many saw it as a weakness for the team and Jonas Vingegaard. Steven Kruijswijk has a different view however.

'Perhaps it is now more pleasant that we have one leader for the classification this time. Last year it was a bit of a compromise between Primoz and Jonas," explains the experienced Dutch climber to Procycling. "Especially in the Tour it is difficult to keep both in a good position all the time."

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With Jumbo-Visma now being able to fully focus all their efforts on retaining the Maillot Jaune with Vingegaard, Kruijswijk is confident that the whole team will benefit. "In addition, we also had Wout. He sometimes went for his own chance. We had to help in all areas and needed everyone, couldn't hold back anyone. During the first stage I rode 150 kilometres in front to keep our leaders out of the wind," he recalls. "Now it's all a bit easier and I have to do a little less on the flat. This way I can save my energy even more for the mountains."

Indeed when the air thins, Kruijswijk is expected to be a key domestique for Vingegaard. "I am especially looking forward to the Pyrenees and the Alps," says the 35-year-old, casting an eye to the course. "That's where my qualities lie. I get a lot of satisfaction from being able to make my contribution in this way."

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