'There's a lot of altitude metres coming up' - Jonas Vingegaard calm, confident and generous before final Giro d'Italia mountain stages

Jonas Vingegaard approached the penultimate mountain stages of the Giro d’Italia with a measured and confident mindset, demonstrating his climbing prowess without overextending himself. During stage 18 to Pieve di Soligo, he tested his legs on the ascents and collected some mountain points but allowed the sprinters to dictate the finale. Leading by over four minutes on Felix Gall, Vingegaard has already secured victories on all four mountain finishes this year, yet he refrained from making bold predictions about where or when he might launch his decisive attacks in the remaining stages. The Danish rider emphasised the importance of pacing and teamwork as the race heads into the Dolomites, noting the significant altitude gains still to come. While expressing a desire to win the upcoming stage 19, he acknowledged the need to balance ambition with tactical caution in consultation with his team. Vingegaard also highlighted his admiration for his teammates, particularly Davide Piganzoli, who is close to claiming the best young rider jersey. He suggested he might forgo personal glory to support Piganzoli’s bid, reflecting his generous and team-oriented approach. Vingegaard’s calm and competitive nature was evident in his reflections on racing and winning, which he described as an adrenaline-fuelled battle he has always enjoyed. Off the bike, he has embraced a new nickname bestowed by Italian media, ‘il Re Pescatore’ or The Fisher King, a nod to his early life working in the fishing industry. This moniker places him in the company of Italian cycling legends known for their colourful nicknames and adds a cultural dimension to his growing popularity in Italy. As the Giro d’Italia moves towards its dramatic conclusion, Vingegaard’s blend of quiet confidence, respect for his team, and measured ambition positions him as a formidable contender. His focus remains on maintaining strong form through the demanding mountain stages while fostering the next generation of talent within his squad. The coming days will reveal whether his cautious strategy pays off in securing further victories or ultimately the overall race win.