"The media has created a story that wasn't there" - Jonas Vingegaard unhappy with post-Tour de France rumours

The Tour de France was the climax of the season for Jumbo-Visma and Jonas Vingegaard, however following the race his absence from the media and competition led to many questions and theories of his whereabouts and reasons. He admits that he was surprised with the reaction from the media.

"That was all exaggerated, the media has created a story that wasn't there. Why should I hide?" Vingegaard told Het Laatste Nieuws. "I'm still the same Jonas I was before my win. Quiet and peaceful. I celebrated my victory and then went home. It was no more or less than that.”

The Tour of Denmark or Vuelta a Espana could be possible locations for his return to competition, however he decided to take some rest - both physical and mental. Eventually he returned to the peloton at the Cro Race where he won two stages and finished second in the overall classification.

“We were still thinking about a Vuelta participation, but it was not ideal condition-wise. Seriously, I had fun with friends and family. I took my time to relax and have a good winter," the Dane explains. "As a Tour winner, everyone has an opinion about what you should and shouldn't do, right?"

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I can't change that. All I can say is that it has no effect on me. I don't care . I only listen to the people on the team,” the 26-year old continued.

His season ended at Il Lombardia, where he finished in 16th position. However he had no pressure to take a big result there, having already succeeded in the season. Vingegaard will be returning to the Tour in 2023 where he will attempt to defend his title.

He travelled to the Tour's post-season criteriums in October and November, and also commented on that: "You sometimes feel like a circus monkey,” he joked. “Of course you can also say no to such an invitation. Then you don't feel like a circus monkey, but then you don't have a financially sound deal either," he concluded.