After Primoz Roglic took victory at the Giro d'Italia and Jonas Vingegaard secured the Tour de France over the weekend, both riders will team up for Jumbo-Visma at the upcoming Vuelta a Espana. Can they compete a historic treble?
"The unspoken big goal seems to be winning the 3 Grand Tours in 1 year. That was always a dream for Team Sky, but it didn't work out. So it's unique and it would be great if they succeed," says Sporza analyst Serge Pauwels, musing about the possibility. "They have already won 2 of the 3 Grand Tours this season and they are going to Spain with their two stars."
The biggest hurdle for the Jumbo-Visma in their quest for a third Grand Tour success is likely to be last year's Vuelta a Espana winner, Remco Evenepoel. The Soudal - Quick-Step leader was even wearing the Maglia Rosa at the Giro d'Italia earlier this year before being forced to withdraw due to covid.
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"His team now has an even more important role. Who do the helpers respond to when attacked?" Pauwels questions. "In last year's Vuelta Evenepoel dictated uphill himself. He was able to impose his will, but with that duo it will be slightly different."
At last year's Tour de France, Roglic and Vingegaard combined to double team Tadej Pogacar, taking turns in attacking as the Dane claimed his first Maillot Jaune. "Especially with last year's Col du Granon scenario in mind," Pauwels references.
"I read that he goes as a leader and not as a servant," Jose de Cauwer adds. "He could say: 'I won the Tour and I'm trying to help Roglic win.' While at the same time, he thinks: 'I'm trying to win myself.'"
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