Jonas Vingegaard Targets Giro d’Italia Before 2026 Tour de France Rematch with Pogačar
Jonas Vingegaard has set his sights on the Giro d’Italia, looking forward to a potential showdown with rival Tadej Pogačar in the upcoming 2026 Tour de France. Vingegaard, who confirmed his participation in the Giro during a media event in La Nucia, is aiming for the prestigious double, a feat accomplished recently by Pogačar. This new approach marks a significant shift from Vingegaard’s traditionally Tour-centric race calendar.
Vingegaard’s Ambitious Goals for 2026
The announcement of Vingegaard’s Giro participation indicates a change in strategy. Traditionally, he has focused primarily on the Tour de France. However, his plan now includes racing the Giro, which will not replace his aim for the Tour’s yellow jersey.
- Vingegaard’s goal: Win the Giro d’Italia in 2026.
- Aim to become the eighth rider in history to win all three Grand Tours.
- Recent victory at the Vuelta a España in 2025.
Challenging Route Ahead
The Giro d’Italia promises a challenging course for 2026, with a total altitude gain of approximately 49,150 meters. Although this is more forgiving than previous routes, it still poses significant challenges.
The race will kick off with a relatively flat start in Bulgaria. The first major climbing test will not arise until stage 7 at Blockhaus, allowing Vingegaard time to build his form for the latter stages.
Previous Grand Tour Performances
Vingegaard has participated in two Grand Tours within the same season, specifically Tour-Vuelta combinations in 2023 and 2025. His previous experiences showcased his potential for grand achievements.
- 2023: Competed in the Tour and Vuelta, gaining valuable experience.
- 2025: Faced challenges at the Tour, yet succeeded at the Vuelta.
A New Strategy in Cycling
This upcoming season will feature a less congested schedule for Vingegaard before the Giro. His team, Visma, has strategically allowed him to approach the races differently, focusing on performance longevity.
By only entering the UAE Tour and Catalunya before the Giro, Vingegaard can refresh his preparations. His previous race patterns will undergo a transformative shift aimed at enhancing performance across multiple Grand Tours.
Concluding Thoughts: The Road Ahead
While Vingegaard faces questions about his ability to compete with Pogačar, he remains confident that this dual approach could be the key to his future success. Racing the Giro may provide him with the insights and form needed to thrive in the following Tour de France.
If he successfully navigates the risks of the Giro, particularly the treacherous Italian roads, Vingegaard believes it can amplify his preparedness for the Tour, enhancing his chances of reclaiming the yellow jersey from Pogačar.
