Vingegaard Targets Rare Giro-Tour Double in Barcelona Start

Jonas Vingegaard is setting his sights on a historic achievement in cycling: winning both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France in the same year. The Danish rider, who claimed his maiden Giro victory in May, is bidding to become only the ninth cyclist in history to accomplish this demanding double.

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I have had a very good season so far already with the three races I have done. Of course, it takes some pressure off me and off the team.

Vingegaard has enjoyed a dominant season so far, securing victories in all three races he has participated in: Paris-Nice, the Tour of Catalunya, and the Giro d'Italia, where he also achieved five stage wins. This success has eased some pressure on him and his Visma-Lease a Bike team.

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But the Tour de France is still the biggest race. It is still the race you really want to win.

"The Tour de France is still the biggest race. It is still the race you really want to win," Vingegaard stated at a press conference. He noted that his Giro victory did not completely exhaust him, allowing him to prepare effectively for the Tour. The 29-year-old feels he is in even better physical and mental shape than when he won the Tour in 2022 and 2023.

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Without taking anything away from anyone from the Giro, it is true that I did not have to completely kill myself. I did not get out of the Giro completely on my knees.

However, Vingegaard faces a formidable opponent in Tadej Pogacar, the four-time Tour de France champion. The race is set to begin in Barcelona on Saturday, promising a thrilling competition between these two cycling titans.

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I feel both better and stronger. I would even say happier in a mental state also.