'Jonas' achievements are 10 times bigger than those of Bjarne Riis' - Why Brian Holm believes Vingegaard will win the 2026 Tour de France

Brian Holm, former professional cyclist and current Eurosport analyst, has expressed strong confidence in Jonas Vingegaard’s ability to challenge Tadej Pogačar at this year’s Tour de France. Holm pointed to Vingegaard’s commanding performance at the recent Giro d’Italia, where the Danish rider secured five stage wins and demonstrated clear dominance with the support of his Visma-Lease a Bike team. Despite Pogačar’s reputation as an exceptional talent, Holm believes that Vingegaard’s resilience and tactical acumen could give him the edge, especially since the Dane has already defeated Pogačar in the Tour de France in both 2022 and 2023. Holm emphasised that Vingegaard’s current form and mindset position him well for the upcoming Tour, noting that the Dane’s ability to race from behind and use his team effectively could prove decisive. He also highlighted that Vingegaard’s status as an underdog this year might actually serve as an advantage, allowing him to avoid the pressure of being the outright favourite. Vingegaard himself has taken a measured approach after his Giro victory, spending a few days in Rome before resuming training and preparing for altitude training in the French Alps ahead of the Tour’s start in Barcelona on 4 July. In assessing Vingegaard’s place in Danish sporting history, Holm made a striking comparison with Bjarne Riis, Denmark’s first Tour de France winner in 1996. Holm argued that Vingegaard’s achievements dwarf those of Riis, particularly since Riis’s legacy is marred by doping admissions. With victories across all three Grand Tours and numerous WorldTour wins, Holm contends that Vingegaard is arguably the greatest Danish sportsman ever, surpassing even football legend Michael Laudrup in terms of historical significance within their respective disciplines. Holm also reflected on Vingegaard’s personality, describing him as reserved and low-profile, which contrasts with more outspoken Danish cyclists like Mads Pedersen. This quiet demeanor has earned Vingegaard widespread respect and admiration in Denmark, with Holm suggesting that his understated nature contributes to his growing fame. Holm believes that Vingegaard’s achievements alone, including his historic Grand Tour victories, provide ample reason for his rising stature in the world of cycling. Looking ahead, Holm’s endorsement of Vingegaard as a serious contender sets the stage for an exciting Tour de France battle. With Pogačar’s dominance potentially vulnerable to the unpredictability of racing, Vingegaard’s blend of talent, experience, and team support could be crucial. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the 2024 season unfolds, with the prospect of a gripping rivalry between two of cycling’s brightest stars.