Vingegaard takes control of Volta ao Algarve: "I wanted to win for her"

Jonas Vingegaard started 2025 well. During the final time trial in the Tour of the Algarve, he took control of the stage. The Dane achieved a very strong time, leaving other contenders behind at least half a minute. Wout van Aert was in the hot seat for a long time but lost it to his teammate.

Vingegaard started the day with a twenty-second disadvantage in the GC, so it was his turn to perform. "This was a really fun time trial, and I enjoyed it. I always like this," he said in the flash interview.

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Vingegaard wanted to win for his daughter and take revenge

The reason the Dane enjoyed it so much probably had to do with the climb at the end. "A time trial like this suits me well, but it also depends on your legs. It can't be a good time trial if you have bad legs, but I had great legs, and I'm glad I could finish it like this."

And that is what the two-time winner of the Tour de France did because those good legs resulted in a double victory. "It was a good day for me and the team. I am happy with the GC victory, and I have taken revenge for the previous day", Vingegaard says, referring to the mountain stage a few days ago. "I am thrilled and very proud. My daughter told me this morning that I had to win, which gave me extra motivation today. I wanted to win for her."

The next challenge awaits Vingegaard in Paris-Nice. "I feel great. I'm happy I'm doing well here and looking forward to the next part of the season." The Dane from Visma l Lease a Bike concluded.

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Van Aert wasn't feeling great

Vingegaard was not exaggerating when he said it was a good day for the team. Van Aert finished second in the time trial. Even before the last rider had finished, he was already being interviewed on the hot seat. "It's the best time so far, but several strong climbers are still to come," the Belgian said immediately. "I'm keeping an eye on the climbers because this time trial is quite tough. The approach to the final climb was also hilly, constantly up and down. You couldn't pace yourself and ride at a controlled pace."

Nevertheless, Van Aert beat the times that had been set before him. And in the end, only Vingegaard was able to go faster. Thus, a good result, although Van Aert did not feel that way. "To be honest, I did not feel very good. I constantly struggled and felt uncomfortable on the bike, but those are usually the best time trials. So far, I am happy, as several strong men have already finished."

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