Jonas Vingegaard Trains on Begues Ahead of Tour de France Second Stage
Jonas Vingegaard, the defending Tour de France champion, was observed training on the Begues climb in Barcelona on Saturday, according to multiple cycling sources. The route, which will feature in the second stage of the 2024 Tour de France on Sunday, connects Tarragona to Barcelona and is known for its challenging gradient and historic significance in professional cycling.
Vingegaard’s presence on the 7.2-kilometer ascent, which averages a challenging incline, signals his preparation for the demanding mountain stages ahead. The climb, popular among local cyclists and professional teams, has been a key training ground for riders targeting the Pyrenees and Alps in the Tour. A spokesperson for his team, Team Jumbo-Visma, confirmed the training session but declined further comment.
The second stage of the 2024 Tour, scheduled to take place on Sunday, will see 198 riders tackle the 219-kilometer route from Tarragona to Barcelona. Begues, located in the Montgrí Massif, is one of the most iconic climbs in the region and has been used in previous editions of the race. Its inclusion in this year’s route underscores its role as a test of endurance and tactical positioning.
Why Begues Matters for the Tour de France
The Begues climb has become a pivotal stage in recent years, often determining the outcome of the overall classification. Its technical nature and steep gradients favor climbers like Vingegaard, who won the 2023 Tour by 52 seconds over Primož Roglič. The climb’s inclusion in the 2024 route aligns with the race’s strategy to balance mountain stages with intermediate challenges.
Cycling analysts have noted that the second stage’s layout could create gaps in the general classification. “Begues is a stage where time can be lost or gained,” said David Millar, a former professional cyclist and current commentator for Eurosport. “It’s not just about climbing; it’s about managing energy and positioning in the peloton.”
The climb’s difficulty is further amplified by its location in the Mediterranean region, where temperatures can reach 28°C (82°F) during the day. Riders must contend with both physical exertion and heat, factors that could impact performance in the later stages of the Tour.
Vingegaard’s Training Regimen and Competitive Edge
Vingegaard’s training on Begues is part of a broader strategy to prepare for the mountain phases of the 2024 Tour. The 28-year-old Dane, who has won two Tour de France titles, has emphasized the importance of adapting to the race’s evolving terrain. “The Tour is always changing, and you have to be ready for anything,” Vingegaard said in a pre-race interview with De Telegraaf.
Team Jumbo-Visma’s technical director, Willem Teunissen, highlighted the significance of the climb in their preparation. “Begues is a key test for our climbers. It’s a stage that requires both power and tactical awareness,” he stated. The team has been using the climb for several weeks, with Vingegaard and his teammates completing multiple training sessions to acclimate to the route.
Vingegaard’s performance on Begues could also provide insights into his form ahead of the Pyrenees stages. In 2023, he struggled on the Col du Tourmalet but recovered to secure his victory. This year, his team has focused on improving his climbing efficiency, incorporating altitude training and strength drills.
The Role of Local Cyclists and the Tour’s Community Impact
The Begues climb is a beloved training ground for Barcelona’s cycling community, attracting thousands of amateur riders each week. On Saturday, cyclists reported encountering Vingegaard during a morning ride, with some sharing photos on social media. “It was surreal to see him out there,” said Marc Torrent, a local cyclist who trains on the route daily. “He
