Jonas Vingegaard rides Giro d'Italia specifically with Tour de France in mind

For Jonas Vingegaard, the first months of 2026 are primarily focused on building up to his main goal of the season: the Giro d'Italia. The Dane hopes to complete his trilogy of Grand Tour victories in this race, but he is also riding it somewhat with an eye on the upcoming Tour de France.

This is clear from the words of the Visma | Lease a Bike team leader in an interview with Sporza, ahead of Paris-Nice. "I mainly wanted to try something different in preparation for the Tour," he explains his choice to make his debut in the Giro d'Italia this year.

However, there is another reason why Vingegaard is choosing the Giro this year. "I've always noticed that my absolute power is higher in a second Grand Tour. So maybe that's why I can reach a higher level in the Tour this time," he says.

"Besides that, I simply felt it was time for a change after doing the same program for the past five years. This is a new approach. I really want to go for the win in the Giro as well. I've already won the Tour and the Vuelta, so naturally the Giro is a big motivation for me too. Not many riders have done that, so it would be something special."

Some cycling followers believe that by participating in the Giro, Vingegaard is trying to avoid a direct Tour showdown with Tadej Pogacar. "Analysts can say what they want. That's not what I’m focused on. I focus on my own plan," is his response.