Vingegaard’s Vuelta Redemption: Can the Dane Conquer the Mountains Without Pogačar?
With Tadej Pogačar notably absent, the upcoming Vuelta a España presents Jonas Vingegaard with a golden opportunity to clinch his first Grand Tour victory in two years. However, the shadow of his past rivalry and the emergence of new threats from UAE Emirates mean this mountainous three-week race is far from a foregone conclusion for the Danish superstar.
The King’s Return: Vingegaard Seeks Vuelta Glory
Jonas Vingegaard arrives at the Vuelta a España with a clear objective: to reclaim his Grand Tour dominance. After back-to-back Tour de France triumphs in 2022 and 2023, the 28-year-old Dane has found himself consistently playing second fiddle to his Slovenian rival, Tadej Pogačar. This dynamic was amplified following a severe crash at the Tour of Basque Country in April 2024, which resulted in a collapsed lung and fractured collarbone.
Despite a remarkably swift return to competition at the Tour de France just months later, Vingegaard finished as the runner-up behind an imperious Pogačar. The absence of Pogačar, coupled with Primož Roglič, a four-time Vuelta winner, also sitting out this edition, positions Vingegaard as the strong favorite. “I’m a favorite, so there’s pressure, but I’m just happy to be here and to go for the win,” Vingegaard stated, expressing confidence in his recent training. “I feel the shape is good.”
A Familiar Territory, New Challenges
This marks Vingegaard’s third appearance at the Vuelta, a race where his teammates from Visma–Lease a Bike have claimed victory in his previous participations. His Grand Tour debut was at the 2020 Vuelta, won by Roglič. Last year, he finished second to the surprising Sepp Kuss, with Roglič securing third.
While Pogačar may not be on the start line, his UAE Emirates team remains a formidable force. The squad brings Juan Ayuso, the young Spanish talent, and Portuguese powerhouse João Almeida, both considered major threats to Vingegaard’s ambitions. “Ayuso and Almeida are the guys you have to really think about, also because they can play two cards, so they have a very strong team,” Vingegaard acknowledged.
Ayuso’s Uncertain Ascent
Juan Ayuso, once hailed as Spain’s next cycling great after a third-place finish at the Vuelta three years ago at just 19, presents an intriguing narrative. He secured victory at Tirreno-Adriatico in March, showcasing his early-season form. However, his recent racing schedule has been limited, with only two days of competition since abandoning the Giro d’Italia in May due to a crash.
Ayuso admitted his current condition is somewhat of an unknown. Initially planning to skip the Vuelta to focus on the World Championships, his team’s strategy shift highlights his potential impact. “My condition is a bit of an unknown,” Ayuso commented. “I’ll try to do well in the general classification, and if I’m not there yet, I’ll try to help Joao win La Vuelta.” This dual-pronged approach from UAE Emirates adds a layer of complexity to the race dynamics.
Almeida: The Unafraid Contender
João Almeida has also been in strong form, winning the Tour of Basque Country, Tour de Romandie, and Tour de Suisse before a cracked rib forced him out of the Tour de France in July. His resilience and power make him a serious contender. “With two of us, it’s easier because we can play two cards and put pressure on Visma,” Almeida explained.
He added, “But to win, you need to have the best legs. If there’s a favorite, I think it’s him (Vingegaard). But we’re here, we’re not afraid, we’re going to keep our legs turning and may the best man win.” Almeida’s pragmatic outlook and his team’s strategic advantage suggest a captivating battle awaits.
The Vuelta’s Grueling Canvas
The 80th edition of the Vuelta a España promises a challenging parcours, featuring eight summit finishes that will test the riders’ mettle. The race begins in northern Italy, with Stage 4 venturing into France before a significant shift to Spain. Notably, the route deliberately avoids the southern regions of Spain, a decision potentially influenced by the country’s recent recovery from a severe heatwave and wildfires, aiming for more favorable racing conditions.
The race is punctuated by iconic climbs, with the legendary ascent of L’Angliru on Stage 13 anticipated to be a decisive moment in the general classification. Such brutal climbs are where Vingegaard has historically excelled, but the endurance and tactical nous of Ayuso and Almeida will be crucial in countering his strength.
Future Implications: The Shifting Grand Tour Landscape
The absence of Pogačar from the Vuelta, a race he has won three times, alongside Roglič’s withdrawal, signals a potential shift in the Grand Tour hierarchy. For riders like Vingegaard, this presents a critical opportunity to re-establish their dominance and build momentum. It also highlights the strategic decisions teams make regarding rider recovery and preparation following significant crashes or demanding seasons.
The emergence of young talents like Ayuso, who are now capable of challenging the established order, underscores the evolving nature of professional cycling. The UCI’s ongoing efforts to promote rider safety, especially in light of incidents like Vingegaard’s crash, will continue to shape race calendars and training protocols. Understanding the physiological impact of severe injuries and the psychological fortitude required for a comeback will be key for cyclists aiming for sustained success in these grueling multi-week events. As the sport evolves, so too will the strategies and the rise of new champions.
What are your predictions for the Vuelta a España? Will Vingegaard finally claim his long-awaited Grand Tour title? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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