Jonas Vingegaard has been riding while sick, Visma-Lease a Bike sports director reveals

Jonas Vingegaard has been competing in the Giro d’Italia while experiencing mild illness, according to Jesper Mørkøv, sports director of the Visma-Lease a Bike team. Speaking to Dutch media, Mørkøv confirmed that several riders, including Vingegaard, had been dealing with minor symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation during the race. Despite these health concerns, the situation was described as relatively minor and largely under control, with no indication that Vingegaard’s condition would prevent him from continuing in the event. The Danish rider entered the Giro under intense pressure as the overwhelming favourite, having already secured two stage victories. However, his performance in the stage 10 individual time trial was below expectations, losing time to key rivals including Thymen Arensman and Ben O’Connor, with Filippo Ganna taking a dominant win. This dip in form prompted speculation from figures such as Geraint Thomas about whether Vingegaard was operating at his peak, although he remains firmly in contention. Currently second in the general classification, Vingegaard trails race leader Afonso Eulalio by 33 seconds after losing additional time on stage 12. The Portuguese rider extended his lead by claiming bonus seconds earlier in the race, intensifying the battle for the maglia rosa. The 2026 Giro has been marked by a high attrition rate, with numerous riders withdrawing due to illness, injury, and crashes, yet Vingegaard’s resilience keeps him as the favourite to win. Despite the challenges posed by his health and the competitive field, there is no suggestion that Vingegaard’s illness is serious or that it will compromise his overall campaign. His ability to maintain a strong position amid the demanding conditions highlights both his physical and mental toughness. As the race progresses, attention will focus on whether he can overcome these setbacks and secure a third Grand Tour victory.