Bold Claim: Vingegaard’s Tour de France wins only happened because of Pogacar’s setbacks
Cycling
José De Cauwer didn't win any brownie points with Visma | Lease a Bike in an end-of-year interview with Het Nieuwsblad. The Belgian analyst argues that Jonas Vingegaard’s level doesn’t come close to Tadej Pogacar’s, a point he underscores with a bold statement.
Vingegaard has ridden the Tour de France four times in his career. He finished second in his debut in 2021 before claiming victory in 2022 and 2023. His 2023 win was particularly dominant, with more than seven (!) minutes ahead of Pogacar, who had a less-than-ideal preparation after fracturing his wrist in Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
In 2024, the roles were reversed, with Pogacar crushing the competition. This time, it was Vingegaard who faced a limited preparation following a grueling crash in the Tour of the Basque Country. Despite this, he still managed to finish second in the overall standings and won a stage. However, De Cauwer believes that unless the top riders in the peloton encounter significant setbacks in the coming years, Vingegaard’s Tour wins may end there.
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Will Vingegaard ever win the Tour de France again?
"As long as Pogacar maintains this level, the difference will stay significant," De Cauwer said when asked whether Remco Evenepoel could still dream of winning the Tour. "But I wouldn’t dare say that Remco will never win the Tour. In terms of talent, I certainly don’t rank Vingegaard higher than Evenepoel. Frankly, Vingegaard should never have won a Tour, considering Pogacar’s superior talent."
According to De Cauwer, this is not meant as a slight against the Dane from Visma | Lease a Bike but rather as a testament to Pogacar’s dominance. When questioned about doping, the journalist dismissed the notion. "According to his former coach, Iñigo San Millán, it comes down to Pogacar’s hyper-efficient metabolism. Am I suspicious? I give him the benefit of the doubt. I discussed it with Tom Dumoulin recently. Nutrition has completely transformed cycling."
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According to Vingegaard, the strongest always wins the Tour
Vingegaard and Visma | Lease a Bike likely disagree with De Cauwer's comments. The 28-year-old team leader won the 2022 Tour thanks to brilliant teamwork with Primoz Roglic, cracking Pogacar. In 2023, Vingegaard repeatedly dropped him in solo efforts. During those editions, he was undoubtedly the strongest, and on Danish television, Vingegaard stated that he expects the strongest rider to win the Tour in the coming years as well.
When asked about the Tour de France route, Vingegaard had a telling response: “You can’t say if a course favors me or Pogacar more. It might suit you well, but everything depends on physical condition. In 2024, Pogacar didn’t have any weak moments, so the most important thing is to show up in top form. The overall victory won’t depend on the route but on fitness.”
Continue reading below the photo.
Evenepoel already behind on Tour preparation
In 2025, Pogacar and Vingegaard are expected to face off in the Tour once again, hopefully both in peak condition. Vingegaard has recovered from his injuries sustained in the Basque Country, and Pogacar had a smooth winter following his dominant 2024. Evenepoel, however, has already experienced a setback due to a training crash. The Soudal-Quick Step rider is currently unable to train on his bike but has stated that he doesn’t anticipate any issues with his Tour preparation.
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Latest Comments
- This was very informative! Luiz Antonio Duarte Ferreiraluizantonioduarteferreira02-01-2025
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024