Vila-Seca, Spain – Jonas Vingegaard continues to demonstrate his formidable form, solidifying his position as a top contender for the upcoming Tour de France. The Visma-Lease a Bike rider’s commanding performance at the Volta a Catalunya, concluding Sunday, has not only added another victory to his impressive palmarès but likewise underscored his ability to challenge Tadej Pogačar for cycling’s ultimate prize.
Vingegaard’s success at the Volta wasn’t simply about winning; it was how he won. He decisively outpaced his rivals, including a challenging early battle with Remco Evenepoel, winning two consecutive stages in the Pyrenees mountains. This display of strength has led many to believe he is the only current rider capable of matching Pogačar’s level in a head-to-head contest at the Tour de France, which will begin in Barcelona on July 4th.
The 2026 Volta a Catalunya served as a crucial test for Vingegaard as he strategically plans his season. Having already secured victories in two Tours de France (2022 and 2023) and a Vuelta a España (2025), the Danish cyclist is now setting his sights on completing the trio of Grand Tours, a feat that would cement his legacy among the greatest cyclists in history. This year, he’s prioritizing a strong showing at the Giro d’Italia, despite concerns about potential fatigue heading into the Tour.
“My form is better than last year at this point. My numbers indicate it, and it’s a little bit better. I’m happy,” Vingegaard stated, reflecting on his current condition. He also acknowledged the positive impact of the recent change in team leadership, with Mathieu Heijboer now at the helm. “I don’t think it has changed my training much, because the philosophy is still the same. I had worked with Mathieu Heijboer for several years and we knew each other well,” he explained.
The dynamic between Vingegaard and Pogačar has become a defining rivalry in contemporary cycling. While the Tour de France is still months away, anticipation is already building for their next showdown on the road for the yellow jersey. Vingegaard recognizes the motivating effect of competing against such a formidable opponent. “A rival like Pogačar makes everyone work even harder and have to give their best to win races. That makes you improve every day,” he said.
There’s a growing perception within the cycling world that Pogačar is currently in even better form than he was at this stage last year. However, Vingegaard remained cautious when assessing his rival’s condition. “I think he looks a little better, but it’s difficult for me to say. I can’t be sure because I don’t have his power data. These things are always complicated to grasp, because it also depends on how hard the competition from other riders is, or how hard the races are made. I do think he looks very strong, but I can’t know for sure,” he conceded.
Vingegaard’s decision to compete in the Giro d’Italia marks a significant shift in his seasonal planning. It’s the first time he will participate in the Italian Grand Tour, a demanding race that could seize a toll on his body before the Tour. Despite the potential for fatigue, Vingegaard remains undeterred. “That’s something you never know. I feel like I can still improve more. There’s a lot of talk about whether it’s too much. I don’t think it is. I think it’s better to take it easy in the spring,” he stated. He expressed his enthusiasm for the Italian race, adding, “Of course, I would love to win. Here’s the race I need to win all three Grand Tours. It’s clear that it’s a big goal. The Grand Tours are the ones you really want to win.”
Vingegaard’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. He credits a period of hard work in his youth – classifying fish and filling boxes with ice at a fish factory in Hanstholm, Denmark – with building his resilience. This early experience earned him the nickname “The Fisherman.” He found the work surprisingly relaxing and it allowed him to focus on his cycling training. He drew inspiration from riders like Alberto Contador, admiring Contador’s aggressive racing style.
The recent Volta a Catalunya also saw a dramatic incident involving Remco Evenepoel, who crashed in the final moments of a two-man breakaway with Vingegaard. Vingegaard opted to wait for Evenepoel after the crash, foregoing a potential stage win. “To be honest, I don’t know. He just went over the handlebars and I hope he is ok,” Vingegaard said to Eurosport following the incident. “It looked really crazy but I hope he is ok.”
Vingegaard’s team, Visma-Lease a Bike, has long planned for him to contest the Giro, believing now is the right time. His consistent performance in Grand Tours – seven podium finishes, with a second-place finish being his lowest result – supports this strategy. He approached the Volta a Catalunya with the intention of winning, not merely as preparation for the Giro.
“I’m at a point in my career where, every time I head to a race, I go to win. I don’t want to go to a race just to get in shape. If I go somewhere, it’s to try to win,” Vingegaard emphasized. Following his victory at the Volta, his plans include altitude training and rest, as he prepares for the Giro d’Italia, where he will aim to complete his Grand Tour collection.
Vingegaard reflects on his career with a sense of gratitude. “I’m living a professional career that I never would have dreamed of as a child. I couldn’t even think about getting on the podium of a Grand Tour, and look, now I’m thinking about trying to win all three.” The cycling world awaits to spot if his dream will become a reality, and if he will arrive in Rome wearing the pink jersey, ready to share the moment with his wife and two children – a photo of whom he carries on his handlebars and kisses with every victory, alongside his wedding ring.
Next up for Vingegaard is the Giro d’Italia, beginning May 8th in Bulgaria. The race will undoubtedly be a key indicator of his form heading into the Tour de France, and fans will be closely watching to see if he can continue his winning streak.
