'It often surprises me that people think it's all super serious for us' – Jonas Vingegaard's right-hand man Victor Campenaerts on Visma's Giro d'Italia build-up

Victor Campenaerts has been confirmed as the key lieutenant to Jonas Vingegaard for the upcoming Giro d’Italia, a role the Danish leader specifically requested to support his bid for the pink jersey. Known for his versatility and strength both in chaotic sprint finishes and on the climbs, Campenaerts brings vital experience and tactical acumen to the team. Vingegaard’s confidence in Campenaerts is evident, having influenced his race programme to ensure the Belgian’s presence in Italy, highlighting the importance of their partnership as the team targets a Giro-Tour double. Despite the intense preparation required for a Grand Tour, Campenaerts emphasises that the team atmosphere remains relaxed and enjoyable. The squad recently completed a rigorous altitude camp on Mount Teide in Tenerife, which Campenaerts described as productive yet not overly serious. He noted that Vingegaard has maintained a calm and composed demeanour throughout the build-up, buoyed by strong early-season victories including Paris-Nice and Catalunya. The team’s morale is high following successes in the spring Monuments, notably Wout van Aert’s win at Paris-Roubaix, setting a positive tone for their second major objective of the season. Campenaerts is candid about the nature of his relationship with Vingegaard, which remains professional and focused on their respective roles rather than extending into close personal friendship. Nonetheless, he is fully committed to supporting Vingegaard’s ambitions and is motivated by the prospect of contributing to a Grand Tour victory, something he missed out on last year due to an untimely withdrawal from the Vuelta. With five previous Giro participations under his belt, Campenaerts admits he cannot offer much direct advice to Vingegaard, given his different roles in those races, but remains confident in the team’s preparation and strategy. Vingegaard himself downplays the notion that he is the sole favourite for the Giro, acknowledging the strength of other contenders and refusing to underestimate his rivals. He describes the opportunity to race the Giro as a dream come true and believes his preparation has been thorough and effective. While the Danish rider is expected to be the leading contender, he remains measured in his expectations, focusing on delivering consistent performances over the three weeks and letting the results speak for themselves in Rome. The build-up sets the stage for a compelling contest as Vingegaard seeks to add the Giro title to his growing palmarès.