"There's nothing better than a duel" - Christian Prudhomme hopes Jonas Vingegaard will challenge Tadej Pogacar
Cycling
Tadej Pogacar is the overwhelming favourite at the start of the 2025 Tour de France. But with a different course design compared to past years, the Tour organizer Christian Prudhomme hopes that the likes of Jonas Vingegaard will rise to the challenge and put up a great fight against the Slovenian.
"We're doing everything we can to make sure it's decided at the last moment," Prudhomme said in an interview with AFP about the dominancy of Pogacar. And the world champion made it clear he doesn't plan to slow down at the Critérium du Dauphiné where he made a rather quick work of his opponents.
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"It's certain that the last Dauphiné showed Pogacar to be superior in the mountains," Prudhomme agrees that he's the man to beat. "If he's at the same level as he's been in recent months, it will be very difficult for his rivals. That's also why the first week will perhaps be the most important in years. That's when they have to try to take time off him."
Pogacar's main challenger is none other than winner from 2022 and 2023 - Jonas Vingegaard. Prudhomme hopes the Dane is up for the ask: "There's nothing better than a duel. It's the spice of all sporting competitions. Over the last five years, we have a 3-2 in favor of Pogacar against Jonas Vingegaard."
But the Frenchman is not opposed to discovering a new star at this year's edition either: "And we want the match to continue, perhaps with a (Remco) Evenepoel or another third man, perhaps (Florian) Lipowitz."
The comparison of Pogacar to 'The Cannibal' Eddy Merckx offers itself with how much the Slovenian wins... "He's the guy who wins a lot. That's why we'd be absolutely delighted if there was some suspense. We're all hoping for a fight, and so are we, the organizers."
There was quite a criticism the organizers faced for the introduction of the Montmartre city circuit into the itinerary of traditional Champs-Élysées stage 21. "I understand that perfectly, in the same way that some riders weren't thrilled when we brought back cobblestones or white paths. Well, that's one of those things. But I have no doubt it will be fantastic," Prudhomme concludes.
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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- wtf dudemij07-11-2026
- big rival … ridiculous.Ketterechts07-11-2026
- It would be great if the World Champion's jersey could be rotated among McNulty, Simmons, and Jorgenson. They threaded the needle perfectly. If each hadn't done exactly what he did, exactly when he did it, the race would have gone to one of the more heralded superstars. That said, how nice that this humble and hardworking guy gets his moment in the sun.
MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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- I get the point totally. We live in the snowflake society where some riders forget they are getting paid to ride and get results. When they have a few issues they try to look outside of the real issue instead of themselves. It odd so many of the team are making no complaints and getting on with their job. If you do not like what you do find another job simples. Tough love as my mum would say.paultryan200207-11-2026
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- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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