dailyloe.com – Jonas Vingegaard’s pursuit of a Grand Tour slam starts in Bulgaria on Friday, as the double Tour de France champion makes his Giro d’Italia debut. Vingegaard aims to secure victory in the prestigious race, culminating in Rome on May 31. His status as the favorite is heightened by the absence of key competitors, notably Tadej Pogacar.
Vingegaard has previously secured wins in the 2022 and 2023 Tours de France. The absence of Pogacar, who has dominated recent races, including nine wins in 11 days, positions Vingegaard as a leading contender. However, this may also overshadow his potential achievements in the Giro.
The field features notable absentees such as Remco Evenepoel and Paul Seixas, both prioritizing the Tour de France. Additionally, Tom Pidcock and Florian Lipowitz will not compete, further solidifying Vingegaard’s chances. Yet, the unpredictability of the Giro could pose challenges.
Vingegaard, at 29 years old, faces competition from younger riders, particularly Seixas, who is ten years his junior. Vingegaard’s recent performance reflects a return to form after a severe crash in 2024. He won the disrupted 2025 Vuelta and has already claimed victories in Paris-Nice and Volta a Catalunya.
Despite the favorable conditions, Vingegaard’s team, Visma Lease-a-Bike, is cautious, aware of the Giro’s reputation for unpredictable elements. As the Grand Tour proceedings commence, fans and competitors will watch closely to see if Vingegaard can secure a historic win.
