The much-discussed interview in which Trine Hansen takes a critical stance towards Visma | Lease a Bike has dominated the cycling world in recent days. The woman and manager of Jonas Vingegaard criticizes, among other things, the team’s planning and the support for her husband. In Denmark itself, they certainly won’t forget the story anytime soon, say fellow journalists Sarah Fisker and Rasmus Nowak Franklin to WielerFlits.
In Denmark, the interview is the talk of the town, perhaps even more than in the Netherlands and Belgium. This is mainly because of Politiken’s reputation, the media outlet that published the interview with Vingegaard’s wife. “It is a large, traditional, center-left newspaper in our country,” says Sarah Fisker, a journalist at DR (a Danish public TV and radio broadcaster). “It is a highly respected and credible medium.” It is also one of the oldest newspapers in Denmark, adds Rasmus Nowak Franklin from the Danish cycling website Feltet. “It is also a serious outlet, based in Copenhagen. When they approach you for an interview, you tend to consider it more seriously.”
According to Fisker, Trine Hansen is known for being very candid and honest in interviews. Franklin agrees. “Still, I was quite surprised. On one hand by the timing, although as a journalist I might also have chosen to publish before the Tour. That’s when the most attention is. And Trine has always been very outspoken, also in the past. She has also handled a lot of Jonas’ communications. Don’t forget that Trine is eleven years older than him. When they met, Jonas was about 19 or 20, while she was nearly thirty. So Trine has always been much older than Jonas. You could often see that in their relationship, if I may put it that way.”
[caption id="attachment_1100886" align="alignnone" width="1280"]
Vingegaard, his little daughter Frida, his wife Trine and mother-in-law – photo: Raymond Kerckhoffs
Timing not the most remarkable, ignorance is
Just like the rest of the world, the publication also caused a stir in Denmark. “It immediately sparked discussion in our country,” explains Fisker. “Experts think it was really a terrible timing for publication, because Jonas now has to deal with many questions about it during the Tour. Also, not many people understand where the criticism comes from. Jonas races far fewer events than other top riders, so he should have more time for his family than others.” At our colleagues at Feltet, they also see another tone, Franklin notes. “On Facebook, most comment that Trine shouldn’t always be speaking on Jonas’ behalf.”
“Still, the story intrigues me,” he continues. “It’s not like one quote was taken out of context, or — as Visma | Lease a Bike claims — blown out of proportion. When I read the story, it was very thorough and straightforward. Trine says the same things consistently, she is nuanced, she goes deep. Actually, it’s very honest and refreshing of her to talk about it this way. And we don’t often see a cyclist’s wife take on the fight like this.” For Fisker, something else stands out most. “It seems like no one knew anything about it. Not the team, and even Jonas didn’t have an answer ready, as if he were also surprised. So it also gives an impression of poor communication between Jonas, Trine and Visma | Lease a Bike.”
Unnecessarily wasted energy
In the piece, Hansen — also Jonas’ manager — suggested among other things that the team should fully back her husband and not secondary goals, referring to stage wins by Wout van Aert. Van Aert regretted reading this and discussed it with the Dane. “Trine has not responded after the publication; I think they hope the media attention will die down,” says Fisker. “Usually, Jonas doesn’t pay much attention to what the press says, but this unrest in the team will definitely not help him.” Franklin shares this view: “It remains to be seen whether this situation will affect his performance. But if he loses two minutes to Tadej Pogačar, it won’t be because of this interview.”
[caption id="attachment_1206829" align="alignnone" width="2000"]
Vingegaard and Van Aert during the 2025 Tour de France – photo: Cor Vos
It is mainly unnecessary wasted energy. Fisker and Franklin are convinced that the interview will continue to linger in Denmark until the end of the Tour. “I even think longer,” the Feltet writer adds. “The author has created a lasting impact for himself and we will always remember it in the course of Jonas’ career. From now on, it’s part of the story of his career.” Fisker also points out that the story can flare up again repeatedly. “It will remain an underlying discussion in the coming weeks. If Visma | Lease a Bike goes for stage wins with Wout or makes tactical mistakes, for example. People won’t forget this anytime soon.”
