Two days before the big departure in Turin to The return 2025, Jonas Vingegaard was present in press videoconference this Thursday afternoonanswer questions from many journalists, including Cyclism’Actuabout his preparation before Tour of Spain and the rest of his season. The 28 -year -old Danish, double winner of Tour de Franceconfirmed that he will not participate in Kigali World Championships. He will favor European Championshipswhich will take place in France. In Spain, the leader in training Visma | Lease a Bike will aim for a first final victory on this Tour of Spainwhose arrival is scheduled for September 14. Disease, strategy, ambitions … how Jonas Vingegaard he addresses this great departure of the 80th edition of the Tour of Spain ?
“I feel that my shape is good and I am ready for these three weeks of racing …”
How was the period between the Tour and the Vuelta?
It was light, and yes, I feel that my shape is good and I am ready for these three weeks of racing.
What kind of setback, if you agree to share it?
Yes of course, I had a very small illness, but as I said, it was really minor and I don't think it affected me.
You mentioned your family. Are they present at the world championships? Your daughter celebrates her birthday during the Vuelta: an opportunity?
No, they will stay in Denmark. They will stay at home to rest a little. Nothing special here.
In Denmark, we talk a lot about the fact that you do not participate in the Worlds. Is it still planned? Do you have the necessary vaccines to go to Rwanda?
No, we decided not to do the Worlds. It doesn't fit the program. We chose to target the European championships instead. For the Worlds, you have to be very fresh, and since I don't know in what state I will get out of the Vuelta, we preferred not to go. I can prepare for Europe after Vuelta.
By thinking about the Vuelta 2023, where you finished with Primož and Sepp Kuss on the podium, what is your look at this edition?
The whole team can be very proud of what we have accomplished: finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the general classification, I do not think it has already been done. And it will surely take years before it happens again. Personally, I was sick at the start of the race, then I gone up. This year, I hope not to be sick from the start.
“Ayuso and Almeida are the two big names to watch”
Does the absence of Remco and Tadej make the race easier, or does it put more pressure?
No, honestly, I don't feel more pressure. It is the Tour de France that there are the most media, tension. Of course, here I am one of the big favorites, so there is a little pressure, but I am especially happy to be there to try to win.
Is it to be considered the big favorite is an advantage?
Being a favorite, it shows that you are a good runner. I hope I can transform it into an advantage and show that I am the best.
Who do you see like your main opponents about this Vuelta? And after the Europe, do you plan to go around Lombardy?
As you said, Ayuso and Almeida are the two big names to watch. Their team is very strong. And no, for the moment, I will not do the Lombardy.
You have had difficult days in the turn. Did you understand why? Do you fear that it happens again on the Vuelta?
There may always be bad days. We just hope that it has already been for this season. We think we have found part of the cause, but we keep that for us.
With only three weeks of preparation (against several months for the Tour), is this a disadvantage? Ayuso, who has not gone around, has an advantage?
Physically, doing an altitude internship can be better. But we must also take into account the mental aspect. Not going around can clearly be an advantage.
“Of course, we have a plan …”
Why did you prepare the Vuelta for Annecy? And despite the disease, could you have done the planned training volume?
I like the Annecy region: the weather is nice, there are good passes. I managed to do almost everything I wanted to training, so I think I had the best possible preparation.
With your fall last year in mind, and the weather problems in 2023, how do you see your return to Spain?
I do not remember a real weather drama, apart from the team time trial. If they avoid these kinds of situations, I have no reason not to like to run in Spain. The organizers generally do a good job, especially to secure descents.
You said it was sometimes pleasant to run without Pogacar. For what ?
I think I have already said enough about it.
Do you have a race plan or targeted steps?
Yes, and yes … But of course, we're not going to talk about it here. It would be stupid to reveal it.
What would a victory over this Vuelta represent in your career?
Winning this race has always been a goal in my career. It would be really very important to me.
During your last Vuelta, you said you are 90 or 95 % of your round shape. And this year?
Difficult to say. We will see on the first steps if I am at 90, 95 or 100 %. This year, the Vuelta arrived very quickly after the Tour, so it's not easy to be 100 %.
Will you make the time trial at the European Championships? And do the steps with flat and fine ascent start modify your preparation?
No, I will only run online. And yes, profiles with a single climb at the end require more explosiveness. I don't think my training has changed a lot, but you should ask my trainer that.
After the Tour, Pogacar spoke of the risk of burnout. Does that speak to you too?
Cycling has changed. Today, we performed earlier. At 29, ten years ago, we were just starting to have results. Now there is more pressure very young. I think we will no longer see runners of this level run up to 40 years. There are a lot of internships at altitude, races, and it uses.
Do you imagine a scenario where the Vuelta would be successful without a victory in Madrid?
My goal here is to win the Vuelta. Of course, there can be other scenarios, but for me and for the team, success is victory.
