The happy arrival of Jonas Vingegaard (26) in the Efteling. The Dane received a festive welcome at the Dutch amusement park near the Jumbo-Visma headquarters. VTM followed in his footsteps and was allowed to interview him. “Remo? There are many competitors at the Vuelta.”
Once upon a time there was a Dane who dreamed of the Tour de France…
Somewhere, Jonas Vingegaard simply belonged in the Efteling in his yellow jersey. He whose fairy tale goes on and on. After his second Tour de France triumph, his team Jumbo-Visma eagerly continued the celebrations at the Dutch amusement park. “It’s nice to be here. “Amusing,” smiled Vingegaard. “Although the last two days have been very busy. Once you cross the finish line in Paris, the celebrations never stop.”
Still, the shy leader of Jumbo-Visma seemed to be enjoying his afternoon in the Efteling. He snapped a photo with fans, did an autograph session, climbed on a carousel and ate a croquette sandwich. He even took his daughter and wife on a ride on the Carnival Festival attraction.
Then it was off to his team’s nearby headquarters for a reception with the entire workforce. There were no other drivers present. Meanwhile, Vingegaard allowed another interview with VTM.
Have you had time to let everything sink in?
“Not yet. But that will come. After last year, of course, I knew what it meant to win the Tour. It remains so big. Now to win for the second year in a row… It’s incredible. Few riders have done that to me. I’m very proud.”
What’s the first thing you’ll do when you get home?
“Relax. Relax. With the family. I’m going back to Denmark tomorrow, but there’s still a lot waiting for me there too. I’ll be home on Thursday evening.”
Tell me, how was the visit to Wout van Aert?
(smiles) “Wout is one of my best friends. I am very happy for him with his second son. We brought a special sweater from Paris and I wanted to give it to him. Wout looked fine, not too tired. Although he was surprised by our visit, he did not expect it.”
“It was a pity but at the same time fantastic that he couldn’t be there in Paris. Of course we would have liked to have him with us, but there are more important things than the tour. Leaving the tour because of the birth was the right decision.”
You have now chosen the Vuelta.
“I’m looking forward to it. The Vuelta has been part of the planning since the beginning of this season. Only at first my focus was completely on the Tour, only then did I want to think about the Vuelta. Now the Vuelta a España will be the only remaining big goal of my season. It will be a nice challenge. I want to have fun and above all: win.”
Primoz Roglic also drives the Vuelta. Is that ideal, two big guns in a squad?
“Of course. Look at our Tour last year. We believe that we can win the Vuelta with a common leader. Together as a team we will try to win. Then it doesn’t matter who it is. Well, it has to be said: the competition at the Vuelta seems very strong. There’s Juan Ayuso, of course, Geraint Thomas, Joao Almeida and Remco.”
How do you see the fight against Remco?
(short) “He’s one of the best drivers in the world.”
Is your team stronger than his?
“Depends on which drivers he brings.”
come on jonah Jumbo-Visma has a stronger round team on paper than Soudal-Quick.Step?
(shrugs) “On paper? It doesn’t mean anything. It’s what happens in the race that counts.”
You’re not going to the World Cup. Will you ever try to wear the rainbow jersey?
“This is a dream. Only the world championship is a race that is difficult to plan for me. But… one day I’ll give it my all. Maybe next year. Maybe there is a course in Switzerland that would suit me.”
Without a doubt. But enjoy your fairy tale first, Jonas.
Free and unlimited access to Showbytes? What can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss out on any of the stars.
Source : HLN
