How the Giro was won: The gear that propelled Jonas Vingegaard into the history books, including those pink tyres

Jonas Vingegaard’s victory at the Giro d’Italia has been underpinned by a remarkably straightforward and accessible racing setup, which contrasts with the highly customised equipment favoured by some of his rivals. Riding a Cervélo S5 that has seen only incremental performance upgrades, Vingegaard’s choice of gear remains largely ‘stock’ and available to the general public. This includes standout elements such as the striking pink-walled Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres he used on the final stage into Rome, demonstrating that elite success does not necessarily require bespoke components. Despite his prominence, Vingegaard’s equipment choices tend to lean towards reliability and familiarity rather than experimental innovation. While he occasionally tests limited-edition items—like the Nimbl x Nike collaboration shoes worn during the race’s closing moments—his core kit, including Oakley Velo Kato and Sutro Lite sunglasses and the distinctive red Giro Eclipse Pro Spherical helmet, remains standard issue, personalised only for race conditions. This approach highlights a different philosophy to that of riders like Tadej Pogačar, who often incorporate cutting-edge, custom-made parts into their setups. Vingegaard’s Giro triumph is historically significant, marking him as just the eighth rider to claim victories in all three Grand Tours, with five stage wins adding to his impressive tally. As the cycling world shifts focus to the upcoming Tour de France, anticipation builds around whether he can join an exclusive group of riders who have simultaneously held all three major titles. Coverage of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a key preparatory race, will provide early insights into his form and equipment choices ahead of the summer’s biggest event. For fans and aspiring cyclists, the accessibility of Vingegaard’s gear offers an intriguing perspective on performance cycling, suggesting that top-level results can be achieved with equipment that is within reach of everyday riders. This may influence purchasing decisions and inspire confidence in the reliability of commercially available products. With the cycling season intensifying, attention will remain firmly on Vingegaard’s setup and strategy as he aims to extend his Grand Tour legacy.