Jonas Vingegaard was the subject of a “controversy” on social media after the second stage of the Tour de France.
He was able to follow Tadej Pogacar on the Jaizkibel climb, but some fans accused the Danish rider for the tactical choice of not working in the fina kilometers for Wout van Aert.
“I don’t think it’s fair,” Vingegaard said. “I think I’m already helping him a lot by not continuing with Tadej Pogacar.”
Last year’s Tour de France winner refers to the part after the top of the Jaizkibel, where Pogacar wanted to continue and Vingegaard refused. As a result, the group with Van Aert was able to return, but the Belgian finished second.
Sports director Grischa Niermann has revealed after the stage that it was his choice not to use Vingegaard in the final.
“I just have to focus on the overall classification,” he says. “We have other goals, that is clear. But I also think everyone is super disappointed. Me, too. We really wanted Wout to win today.”
Vingegaard showed his strong legs on the last climb of the day as he battled with Pogacar for bonuses on the Jaizkibel.
“I felt good, I’m in good shape and I’m curious to see how that will unfold in the coming weeks,” he looks ahead.
