2023-09-19 13:12:39
If at first it was surprising to see Jonas Vingegaard on the Jumbo-Visma list for the Vuelta a España 2023, it goes without saying now that he finished second in the general classification, just a few months after having won his second Tour de France, for above the fearsome Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates).
Initially, the Dane’s task was to serve as a second trick in case Primoz Roglic fainted or suffered a setback in the Iberian round, however, Jumbo’s great dominance in the classification placed them both, along with champion Sepp Kuss, in a unforgettable podium for the leadership of the Dutch team.
With his participation in La Vuelta over, Vingegaard has nothing left but to enjoy the holidays and prepare for what will be his 2024 season, in which the Tour will surely appear as the main objective.
This was announced on Danish television, after completing the last stage in Madrid. “Yes, it was the last one, that was all,” said the 26-year-old cyclist in statements to Sport TV2, while eating a giant sandwich as a reward for his great effort in the second part of the campaign.
Sepp Kuss and Jonas Vingegaard, figures of Jumbo-Visma this year. | Photo: 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Vingegaard was counting the days until he could be with his loved ones, whom he had to abandon for several seasons to get on the bike in the main World Tour competitions. “It was incredible. I also saw them this morning (Sunday) because we had some time, so it was really nice to see them early. “I’m looking forward to having the offseason now and just enjoying some time with them,” he explained.
His second place in La Vuelta was just a cherry on the cake to show that right now he is the best cyclist in the world in the best performing team of all.
However, Vingegaard assures that it will be difficult to repeat what he did with Kuss and Roglic. “You have to be very lucky to finish first, second and third in the standings and avoid accidents and all that, so it may be very difficult for this to happen again in the future,” he said.
Jonas Vingegaard finishes another season as Tour de France champion. | Photo: 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
It is clear that Vingegaard could have been champion of the Vuelta a España without problems, but he preferred to give that joy to Kuss, who has been his faithful squire for many races.
That gesture, applauded by the union, was another example of the greatness of the Dane, who is classified as the favorite to win the Vélo d’Or (Golden Bicycle) this season, an award given by Velo Magazine to the best cyclist of the year. , in a vote very similar to what is done in football with the Ballon d’Or.
His great rivals for the prestigious award are the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, his teammate Primoz Roglic and the current world champion, Mathieu Van der Poel.
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