"That's something Pogacar has no problem with" - Dutch ex-pro argues Jonas Vingegaard struggles with mental load of racing

Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard are the two strongest climbers in the peloton, but two riders who have a very different lifestyle and ways of taking time off racing.

Jonas Vingegaard, a father of two, lives away from the spotlight most of the time when he is away from racing. The crashes on him also take a bigger toll, taking into consideration his personal life. "He also indicated that the crash was a traumatic experience. He's competing against Pogacar, who has a very different outlook on life. It can hardly be a coincidence that the prodigies in the current peloton, Pogacar, Mathieu van der Poel, and Remco Evenepoel don't have children," Stef Clement argued in words to the Helden Magazine.

The former Dutch pro argues that it is no coincidence that most of the top riders do not have children yet, as it is a very busy and difficult lifestyle, with many months away from home a year, but also the risks that come with the sport. Many become more fearful in the ever more dangerous peloton after growing a family, with good reason.

Those who do not, perhaps do not have that worry. However it overall just allows to put more focus into racing and preparation overall, Clement argues. "I think they're more uninhibited on the bike, find it easier to get going, and still have a little more complete focus on cycling."

"Vingegaard has previously stated that he struggles with the pressure he experiences," Karsten Kroon argues. "That's something Pogacar has no problem with at all. It doesn't bother him one bit. He smiles before the start, during the race, and afterward."

This point raises doubts however, as both Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates - XRG have been quite clear that the World Champion is limiting his race days due to the responsibilities that come with his position in the sport currently.

Recently in an interview with Wielerflits, team manager Mauro Gianetti was also very clear that the team has to manage the amount of racing he does: "We have to be careful that he has a maximum of about 60 racing days per year. Especially when you consider his aggressive racing style, that takes a huge amount of energy."

However that this might also be the case with the Dane, a two-time Tour de Franc winner, could be very true. "I think Vingegaard could easily handle racing more than he does now. And by that, I mean physically. I just doubt whether he can handle racing much more mentally."