'I don't think I'm the only favourite', says overwhelming favourite Jonas Vingegaard before Giro d'Italia

Jonas Vingegaard, the reigning Vuelta a España champion and current leader of the UCI rankings among Giro d’Italia participants, has positioned himself as the overwhelming favourite ahead of this year’s Italian Grand Tour. Despite his strong credentials and recent victories in stage races this season, the Visma-Lease a Bike rider has downplayed the notion that he is the sole contender for overall victory. With key rivals João Almeida and Richard Carapaz absent, Vingegaard remains the standout name, but he insists that the competition remains fierce with several other capable riders in the mix. The Giro d’Italia will mark Vingegaard’s debut at the race, offering him the chance to complete a prestigious Grand Tour hat-trick, having already won the Tour de France and the Vuelta. The race starts in Nessebar, Bulgaria, before moving to Italy following an early rest day. Vingegaard described his participation as a dream come true and expressed confidence in his preparation, emphasising his focus on performing well over the three-week event. He also reflected on the significance of the Giro, recalling his childhood memories of watching the race and highlighting Italy’s special place in his heart. Vingegaard has highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Giro, noting the challenging terrain and the need for constant vigilance throughout the race. He pointed out that the route includes numerous difficult stages, both in Bulgaria and Italy, which demand consistent focus from the riders. In interviews, he stressed that the Giro’s variability and potential for surprises make it a unique challenge compared to other Grand Tours, requiring competitors to be ready for anything on any given day. The Dane’s measured approach and respect for his rivals underline the competitive depth of this year’s Giro, despite his status as the favourite. His participation adds an intriguing dynamic to the race, as fans and analysts watch to see if he can join the ranks of riders like Chris Froome, who last completed the Grand Tour treble in 2018. Vingegaard’s presence promises an exciting contest, with the potential for new narratives to emerge over the coming weeks.