Overcoming the challenges of 2024 has only strengthened Vingegaard’s determination, and after a complete offseason of focused training and quality family time, he is ready to make a strong bid for Tour de France victory once more.
Jonas Vingegaard is setting his sights firmly on the 2025 Tour de France,
feeling optimistic about his chances to challenge Tadej Pogačar after a
rollercoaster 2024 season. The Danish cyclist, who suffered a significant crash
early in the year, is convinced that overcoming that adversity has made him
mentally and physically stronger. In an exclusive interview during the Visma |
Lease a Bike media day, Vingegaard shared how he plans to bounce back and
improve in 2025.
Reflecting on the previous season, Vingegaard revealed that his year had
begun on a promising note. He achieved major victories in O Gran Camiño
and Tirreno-Adriatico, races that set him up for a highly anticipated Tour de
France campaign. “I was in fantastic form and felt stronger than ever,” he said.
However, disaster struck in early April during the fourth stage of Itzulia
Basque Country, when he was involved in a mass crash. The incident left
Vingegaard with multiple fractures, and he spent a harrowing twelve days in
hospital, eight of which were in intensive care. Despite the severity of his
injuries, Vingegaard managed to recover in time for the Tour de France, an
achievement he regards as a personal victory in itself.
“From a sporting perspective, 2024 was a bizarre year,” Vingegaard explained.
“I was riding at my peak, and everything was on track for a great Tour. But
that crash derailed my plans. I had to fight to recover, both physically and
emotionally, and the road to getting back to full fitness was long and
challenging.”
Nevertheless, the resilient Danish rider refused to let the crash define his
season. Against the odds, he not only made it to the Tour de France but also
managed to secure a podium finish, taking second place overall. “It was a huge
achievement considering the circumstances. I had sustained worse injuries
than most people realized. To win a stage and finish second in the general
classification felt like a bonus,” Vingegaard added.
In addition to the Tour, Vingegaard’s success in the Tour de Pologne a few
weeks later further boosted his confidence, marking a strong return to form
after his recovery. “Looking back on those moments fills me with pride,” he
said. “It wasn’t the season I had planned for, but it was a testament to my
determination and resilience.”
Vingegaard’s resolve to come back stronger in 2025 is evident. Despite the
challenges he faced in 2024, including the physical toll of his crash and the
emotional weight of the recovery process, the Danish star is more motivated
than ever. He believes that overcoming these setbacks has prepared him to
take on even greater challenges in 2025. “I have learned a lot from this year,
and I believe it will make me a better rider moving forward. I know what it
takes to recover from a major injury and still perform at the highest level,” he
said.
Looking ahead to 2025, Vingegaard’s goal remains clear: to reclaim the yellow
jersey in Paris. His focus is already on ensuring he arrives at the start line in
his best possible shape, and he’s leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.
“I’m determined to do everything I can to make sure I’m in the best form of my
life for the Tour. It’s all about hard work and dedication from here on out,” he
stated confidently.
Vingegaard’s optimism is infectious, and his determination to take on Tadej
Pogačar and the other top riders in 2025 makes him a formidable contender.
His battle through adversity in 2024 has only fueled his passion, and with a
full offseason of training and family time to recharge, Vingegaard is poised to
mount a serious challenge for Tour de France glory once again.
