Jonas Vingegaard is aggressive. © APA/afp / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

Vingegaard's announcement: "I'm better than ever before"

Cycling star Jonas Vingegaard completely forgot to shave his legs amidst all the travel hustle and bustle before the Tour de France. At the same time, the Dane issued a challenge to Tadej Pogacar.

July 03, 2026

From: dpa/dl

“Normally I always shave for competitions, but not for training, so I just let the hair grow and then shave my legs once I’m at a competition. But yesterday and today were quite stressful,” said the two-time Tour de France winner ahead of the start of the 113th edition on Saturday in Barcelona.

Before his renewed attempt to prevent his long-time rival Tadej Pogacar from another Tour de France overall victory, he said: "Tomorrow the hair is coming off." Most cyclists shave their legs to ride more aerodynamically.

“Extremely proud” of Tour victories ahead of Pogacar

Pogacar is once again considered the overwhelming favorite for the next edition of the Tour. To use a youth slang term, the Danish star Vingegaard would love to "shave" his rival again, meaning defeat him, as he did in 2022 and 2023. Pogacar subsequently went on to win his third and fourth Tour titles.

“Tadej is probably the best rider to ever compete in the main field.” jonas vingegaard

“I still believe that Tadej is probably the best rider to ever compete in the main peloton,” said Vingegaard. “The fact that I was able to beat him personally is therefore truly incredible for me. And I am extremely proud of that, and it also motivates me to try again,” he added.
Pogacar: Duel “spectacular”

Top favorite on the tour: Tadej Pogacar. © APA/afp / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

Tadej Pogacar said that the competition between the two had always been "spectacular" in recent years. "I think we have pushed each other to new heights time and time again over the past few years."

New coach and new plan

In May, the Dane celebrated his first overall victory at the Giro d'Italia, completing his now complete Grand Tour collection consisting of wins at the Tour de France, the Vuelta a España, and the Giro d'Italia. "I'm ready for this race and I'm really looking forward to it," Vingegaard assured. "So far, it's been a fantastic year for me. I hope it continues that way."

Jonas Vingegaard won the Giro d'Italia for the first time this year. © ANSA / ansa

Vingegaard now has a new coach, as his previous one decided to leave the team after eight years. He has also changed some habits and adjusted his race schedule. He feels better and stronger than last year. "I would even say I'm mentally happier," he said. "I'm better than ever," he stated at the team presentation.