Gilbert detects an issue with Vingegaard's knee: "Result of that crash? Muscle issue?"

Cycling
Tuesday, 09 July 2024 at 01:18
jonas vingegaard
The gravel stage in the Tour de France ignited heated debates over whether or not Visma | Lease a Bike riders would ally with rivals Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel. The Slovenian and Belgian expressed frustration that Jonas Vingegaard and Matteo Jorgenson focused primarily on damage control. Analysts passionately weighed in on the controversy across Tour de France talk shows.
Michael Boogerd was a guest on the Dutch NOS show De Avondetappe, where he reviewed footage of Pogacar, Vingegaard and Jorgenson. "I don't understand that: they could have put Evenepoel and Vingegaard at a disadvantage. The true cycling fan prefers to watch someone like Pogacar or Evenepoel, so this doesn't make Visma | Lease a Bike very popular."
The former pro knows, however, that the Dutch team won't lose a second of sleep over it. "I think Visma likes to see Pogacar race like this. Two years ago, he also raced impressively in the first week and showcased his strength a lot, which he's doing again now."
jorgenson vingegaard pogacar

Van Hooydonck and Gilbert say Vingegaard is racing very strong

Nathan Van Hooydonck, Vingegaard's bodyguard last year, was a guest on Vive le Velo. "I think they were afraid of Pogacar, not only one of the best stage racers but also one of the best classic riders. I understand that they don't ride with Pogacar because they're afraid of a counterattack. Their respect for Pogacar as a rider is too great for that. But there's something to be said for joining that attack at the end. They were already close to the finish then. The standings could have looked different," the Belgian believes.
"The third week is incredibly tough, and maybe they indeed want to keep as many guys at the top of the standings as possible," said Van Hooydonck. "I think Jonas is better on the uphill sections than anyone. He only has to watch Pogacar, but of course we shouldn't gift Evenepoel any leads either. He's much too good for that. I think Jonas can still win the Tour. I have a lot of confidence in that. And that's why defensive racing was the right choice here," he emphasizes his understanding of the tactic his former team went with on Sunday.
Philippe Gilbert usually serves as an analyst for Eurosport and shared his opinion about Vingegaard's racing style on X. "I think he's racing very, very well," said the Belgian, who did notice something about the Dane's riding style. "I notice that his left knee turns in a bit, especially during the time trial. Is this a result of that crash? Is he having trouble with his muscles?' Gilbert wonders out loud.

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