Campenaerts, celebrating double good news, sounds a warning for stage 2: 'That's where our Giro really begins'

Jonas Vingegaard came through stage 1 without a scratch. The Danish leader of Visma | Lease a Bike chose to stay well clear of the chaos in the opening stage, but stage 2 may already call on him to work. Having Victor Campenaerts at his side gives him a crucial card to play. The Belgian is ready for the Giro — and may have some good personal news of his own to look forward to.

Since his move to the Dutch team, Campenaerts has become indispensable at his leader's side. The Belgian can see that [Jonas] is in a good place. "I have a really good feeling about Jonas's motivation, and he looks very relaxed too," he tells Het Laatste Nieuws. "Of course, he had a good start to the season with his overall wins in Paris-Nice and Catalonia. Those victories make things more relaxed, but honestly, we've just been having a really good time together."

Because that — alongside all the professional work — matters enormously at Visma | Lease a Bike. "It often surprises me that the outside world thinks everything is deadly serious with us, but actually we have a lot of fun. Of course, we try to do everything right, but that doesn't mean we can't have a laugh," explains Campenaerts, who forms a well-known comedy duo with Matteo Jorgenson.

At the Giro, the time trial specialist will put himself entirely at Vingegaard's service. We know by now just how versatile the 34-year-old Campenaerts has become. "My role is very varied. On the flat stages I try to be the best possible engine at the front. On the mountain stages I try to produce my best climbing legs. I hope Jonas finds that enough."

After a quiet first stage for Visma | Lease a Bike, stage 2 will already be tougher — with plenty of hills in the finale. That's where Vingegaard will need to be ready to put in some work, particularly on the Lyaskovets Monastery Pass. "On that climb, Jonas will need to go absolutely flat out for seven or eight minutes, and we'll need to position him well. That's where our Giro really begins."

Campenaerts hopes to help Vingegaard to Giro victory over the next three weeks — whether that happens, we'll find out soon enough. Whatever the outcome, it won't affect the good news waiting for the Belgian: according to reports, his contract is set to be extended, keeping him at Visma | Lease a Bike through to the end of 2028.

But the even better news: Campenaerts is to become a father for the second time. After the birth of his son Gustaaf, a second child is now on the way for the Belgian and his partner Nel. Congratulations!