Is Jonas Vingegaard ready to beat Tadej Pogačar and go from Giro to hero at the Tour de France?
Jonas Vingegaard's Giro-Tour double mission is an intriguing prospect, and the question on many minds is whether he can dethrone Tadej Pogačar and claim the coveted yellow jersey. With a comfortable GC victory at the Giro d'Italia under his belt, Vingegaard is now turning his attention to the Tour de France, aiming to become just the ninth man to win both races in the same year.
The Giro Dominance
Vingegaard's performance at the Giro was nothing short of remarkable. He dominated the mountain stages with apparent ease, winning five out of six, and ultimately secured the maglia rosa by over five minutes. This victory not only solidified his place in cycling history as the eighth man to win all three Grand Tours, but also set the stage for an intense battle with Pogačar at the Tour.
The Eternal Rivalry
The rivalry between Vingegaard and Pogačar is well-documented, and the 2025 season has been no exception. Pogačar, seeking a joint-record fifth yellow jersey, will be a formidable opponent. The pair's head-to-head record currently stands at 3-4 in Pogačar's favor, and with just over four weeks until the Tour begins, the question of who will emerge victorious is a compelling one.
The Challenge of the Giro-Tour Double
The Giro-Tour double is no easy feat, and history supports the notion that it takes time for a rider to recover from the first Grand Tour and be in optimal shape for the second. It has been 26 years since a rider last achieved this double, and the process is a lengthy one. However, Vingegaard has reasons to believe he can pull off this feat.
The Vuelta a España Connection
Vingegaard's previous experiences in the Vuelta a España after the Tour have been promising. In 2024, he won the Spanish race, and in 2023, he was the best rider, despite having a gap of four to five weeks between the two races. This suggests that the time gap between the Giro and the Tour may not be as detrimental as conventional wisdom suggests.
The Importance of Rivalry
The absence of a serious rival at the Giro may have allowed Vingegaard to conserve energy. With many analysts believing he was only riding at 90% of his full capacity, the Dane had the luxury of not being pushed to the limit. This, combined with the fact that he didn't have to attack from the start, may have contributed to his dominant performance.
The Role of Coaching
The change in coaching staff is another factor to consider. Tim Heemskerk, Vingegaard's former coach, has departed, and Mathieu Heijboer has taken over. Heijboer, who already had an oversight of Vingegaard's training, brings a fresh perspective and a desire to push the rider to new levels. This change, combined with the departure of Grischa Niermann, the team's head of racing, adds an element of uncertainty to Vingegaard's preparation.
Time Trials and Bonus Seconds
Time trials are a critical aspect of the Tour, and Vingegaard's performance in this discipline has been inconsistent. While he smashed Pogačar by over 90 seconds in a mountainous time trial in 2023, his recent performances have been less impressive. Pogačar, on the other hand, has won three of his last six Grand Tour time trials, making him a formidable opponent in this domain.
Bonus seconds, awarded for positions one, two, and three, could play a crucial role in determining the winner. Vingegaard has averaged 29 bonus seconds, 21 fewer than Pogačar's average of 50. This disparity highlights the challenge Visma faces in addressing this issue while maintaining Vingegaard's other strengths.
The Future is Bright
Despite the challenges, Vingegaard's confidence in his shape and the support of his team are encouraging. Heijboer believes that Vingegaard is in better shape than ever, and the rider's motivation and eagerness to succeed are evident. The final altitude camp in Tignes will provide a crucial opportunity for Vingegaard to fine-tune his preparation before the Tour begins.
In conclusion, the Giro-Tour double is a daunting task, but Vingegaard's performance at the Giro and his team's support give him a fighting chance. The rivalry with Pogačar adds an extra layer of intrigue, and the question of who will emerge victorious at the Tour de France remains a captivating one. As the Tour approaches, all eyes will be on Vingegaard, hoping that he can turn his Giro dominance into Tour glory.
