Clément Pédron, media365: published on Monday July 21, 2025 at 1:12 p.m.
Second in the general classification at 4’13 ” by Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard (TVL) has not yet abandoned the objective of winning a third Tour de France. But one week before the end, the Danish knows that the Slovenian is in a position of strength.
It is in the park of the castle of the Hospitalet in Narbonne that the Visma Lease Team Bike decided to settle down, the time of the second and last day of rest. In less than a week, the Tour de France, the largest cycling race in the world and an annual objective of Dutch training, ends. And the peaceful calm of the place corresponds rather to the state of mind of the leader of the Jonas Vingegaard team. The Danish is currently second in the general classification at 4’13 ” from Tadej Pogacar (UAD). Six stages from the end, four of which with a mountainous profile, the double winner of the Grande Boucle (2022 and 2023) is expected and does not intend to hide. However, he knows, Scandinavian is not in an ideal position against Slovenian, especially with regard to the gap between the two men.
This Monday, the native of Hillerslev held a press conference on the occasion of this rest day. And when he had to mention his biggest rival, he did not do in the tongue of wood. Above all, he knows that he will have to take out a large number if he wants to put on the yellow jersey. And that the current carrier must have a less good blow. “One day without, it can happen to anyone, even in Tadej the third week,” he recalled. To be honest, he looks very strong so far. I would not say that he has weaknesses, he is probably one of the most complete runners of the peloton, if not the most complete. So of course, he doesn’t have many weaknesses. And if I found one, I wouldn’t say it. »»
The yellow jersey is always a goal
In front of Florian Lipowitz (RBH), Oscar Onley (TPP) and Kevin Vauquelin (Ark) in the general classification, Jonas Vingegaard (TVL) obviously has the eyes riveted in first place. “I am also ready to sacrifice second place to aim for the first one,” he insisted. In his mind, it is clear that he will not let go. “I always think I can win the Tour,” says the Visma Lease A Bike runner. Of course, it seems very difficult, the gap is important, but I always think I can get there. Normally, I am at the best of my form in the third week. Of course, I’m not going to reveal my tactic to you. I mean, we have to attack, I’m more than 4 minutes behind. You have to try to do something. I feel better. »With a try this Tuesday at Mont Ventoux? Possible to believe the interested party: “It is an extremely difficult climb. The pace will probably be raised from the foot. If someone is sick, we will also see him very early. »»
