Vingegaard declares peak form ahead of Tour de France showdown

LILLE, France: Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard declared himself “stronger than ever” on Friday as he gears up to battle defending champion Tadej Pogacar at the 112th Tour de France, which kicks off today in Lille.

The two-time Tour winner, who triumphed in 2022 and 2023, is determined to reclaim the yellow jersey from Pogacar, having finished second last year, over six minutes behind the Slovenian. “I think for sure I can say that I’m stronger than ever,” Vingegaard said, highlighting improved power due to added muscle mass.

The 28-year-old’s build-up to this year’s race was disrupted by a serious crash, but he now feels fully recovered. “It has taken me almost a year to get back to the same level as before,” he admitted.

Vingegaard praised Pogacar as both a rival and a motivator. “Having a rival that’s so good as Tadej brings out the best in yourself… I really only have good words about him.”

He will rely on a powerhouse Visma-Lease a Bike squad that includes Simon Yates, Sepp Kuss, Matteo Jorgenson, and Wout van Aert — setting the stage for another thrilling showdown in cycling’s greatest race.(Reuters)