"Not because I didn't want to. No, it was because I couldn't," Vingegaard spent two weeks off the bike before the European Championships

“I think I was already struggling on the first climb. From there, I thought things might get better. They did, but when they attacked, it became too much for me,” TV2 quotes the Visma | Lease a Bike rider as saying.

“I had secretly hoped to be able to go with them, but unfortunately, that wasn't possible,” said Vingegaard, who is happy that he was able to compete in his country's colors for once. “No, I don't regret it. I'm glad I got to ride in the Danish colors. I'm really proud of that.”

“I had hoped it would go better, but that's just how it is,” says Vingegaard, who is confident that he will also be able to compete for the top spots in one-day races. “It's not that different from before. I actually think that if I prepare well, I can also compete for victory in these races.”

After the double Tour-Vuelta, his preparation time was now limited. “I have to admit that I had to take more time off the bike than I had hoped. It took almost two weeks before I was able to train again. Not because I didn't want to. No, it was because I couldn't.”

“I don't know if that was the deciding factor, or if it was just fatigue. I can't say,” Vingegaard is still guessing as to the exact cause of his poor performance.