'Better than ever' - Jonas Vingegaard reveals two-year recovery from Itzulia crash, now on track to challenge Tadej Pogačar in the Tour de France

Jonas Vingegaard has revealed that it took him nearly two years to fully recover from a serious crash at the 2024 Itzulia Basque Country, a setback that significantly delayed his progress despite being on an upward trajectory at the time. Since then, he has battled through further injuries, including a concussion at the 2025 Paris-Nice, but has steadily regained form. His recent dominant performance at the Giro d’Italia, where he has secured four mountain stage wins and extended his overall lead, signals that he may now be at his peak, or even better than ever. Vingegaard’s current campaign with Team Visma-Lease a Bike is strategically aimed at peaking for the 2026 Tour de France, where he is set to challenge Tadej Pogačar, who is chasing a fifth Tour victory. The Dane’s success in the Giro is a key part of this build-up, with his team carefully managing his efforts to ensure optimal performance in July. He has also been mindful of his physical condition, aiming to maintain a lighter body weight than in previous Grand Tours to maximise his power-to-weight ratio. The stage 16 win to Carì was particularly meaningful for Vingegaard, not only because it was a short, tactical mountain stage but also due to its location near where he spends time off the bike. The local support and personal connection added extra motivation for the rider. Despite his individual success, Vingegaard emphasised the importance of his teammates, praising their efforts and expressing a desire to see them achieve victories and classifications alongside him. Looking ahead, Vingegaard remains focused on continuing his strong form through the remaining mountain stages of the Giro, with the possibility of equalling or surpassing Pogačar’s record of six stage wins in the race. However, he downplays comparisons and historical records, instead highlighting the collective achievements of his team. His measured approach and evident resilience suggest that he is well-positioned to mount a serious challenge to Pogačar in the upcoming Tour de France season.