"That is just a big finger to Pogacar, like: 'I have it earlier than you.'": Jonas Vingegaard completes Grand Tour trilogy with Piancavallo masterclass

Jonas Vingegaard put on another spectacular show on the climb to Piancavallo on stage 20 of the Giro d'Italia. Because his team looked a little more vulnerable on the climbs than on previous days, the Dane decided to launch a solo move with more than ten kilometers left to the line. Nobody could match his acceleration, paving the way for his fifth stage victory of this Giro d'Italia.

With this victory, Vingegaard joins an elite group of cycling legends (Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Felice Gimondi, Bernard Hinault, Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali, and Chris Froome) who have won all three Grand Tours at least once.

Reflecting on the Stage 20 performance, analyst Bobbie Traksel pointed out that the most frightening aspect of the Dane's run was his upward trajectory throughout the three weeks, while his main rivals had nothing left to give in the final days. "He has grown. He didn't even need to be at one hundred percent, because the finishing touches still need to be put on it towards the Tour de France."

While Traksel noted that Vingegaard is not a very outspoken person, he emphasized that the rider's quiet demeanor hides a very competitive mindset. "I am often critical of him that he is boring. I still think that. Also that he then doesn't take over a turn from Felix Gall... He is also not outspoken, but inside he is a killer."

He also mentioned that completing the Grand Tour trilogy ahead of Tadej Pogacar sends a clear message to his rival. "I saw a video this week when he booked his fiftieth victory that he could name all his victories. Who can do that? He is also simply earlier with the trilogy than Pogacar. That is just a big finger to Pogacar, like: 'I have it earlier than you.'"

The final day in the mountains also confirmed fourth place overall for Thymen Arensman. While this is the best Grand Tour result of his career, finishing just off the final podium remains a tough outcome to accept. Traksel discussed the mixed emotions the Netcompany INEOS rider will face during his upcoming rest period.

"I think he can be proud. He got the maximum out of it, but he is going to wake up a few times over the coming month that he lost the podium. Fourth place is truly a terrible spot."