There is no doubt that today's cycling largely revolves around two stars, Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) and Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates - XRG). The duel between these two giants adds intrigue and adorns the history of cycling.
So far, Vingegaard and Pogačar have faced each other as favorites in the Tour de France five times. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider has won two of them – in 2022 and 2023 – while the UAE Team Emirates – XRG rider has won three – in 2021, 2024, and 2025.
Fans often ask what would have happened if one of the two hadn't encountered the other? Vingegaard knows a very clear answer to this. "Without Pogačar, I would probably have already won five Grand Tours. That would be nice, but at the same time, it's also nice to compete against him. He's a good guy, and such a rivalry is pleasant. I could have won either this year or last year. Also, perhaps in my first Grand Tour in 2021, but one can never know for sure," said Vingegaard.
Vingegaard, who is currently leading the Vuelta, confirmed that he is not tired of duels with Pogačar. "On the contrary, I think it motivates me because he is the best cyclist in the world today. If I want to win, I have to beat Pogačar. This gives me more motivation to improve," added Vingegaard.
If Vingegaard wins this year's Vuelta, his achievements would include a third Grand Tour title. Then, the next goal would be obvious – the Giro d'Italia, where he has never participated before. "Currently, I have two Tour victories. If I were to win the Vuelta, I would have two out of three Grand Tours. It is very important for me to have all three Grand Tour victories to my name. So yes, I would like to go to the Giro," admitted Vingegaard.
