'That was all exaggerated' – Jonas Vingegaard dismisses burnout talk and asks 'why should I hide?'
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Updated 03/01/2023 at 19:52 GMT
Jonas Vingegaard addressed the rumours surrounding his burnout following victory at the 2022 Tour de France. The Dane stressed that he "celebrated my victory and then went home. It was no more or less than that," and believes the story has been blown way out of proportion. The focus now for Vingegaard is on defending the yellow jersey and is relishing the challenge of being reigning champion.
Pogacar, Girmay and Vingegaard feature in Top five great cycling wins of 2022
Jonas Vingegaard dismissed talk of a burnout following his victory in last year’s Tour de France, and took some time out to savour the victory.
Team Jumbo-Visma sports director Frans Maassen revealed that Vingegaard was struggling to deal with the additional pressure at the Tour de France, while the flames were fanned further when fellow Danish rider Michael said his compatriot was “no doubt exhausted.”
However, 2022 Tour de France champion explained that this was all blown out of proportion, despite missing the Tour of Denmark and taking a two-month break at the end of September.
The 26-year-old was keen to set the record straight and highlighted the reasons behind taking an extended break in the autumn.
“That was all exaggerated, the media has created a story that wasn't there. Why should I hide?,” he said in quotes published by Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.
"I'm still the same Jonas I was before my win. Quiet and peaceful.
“I celebrated my victory and then went home. It was no more or less than that.”
“We were still thinking about a Vuelta participation, but it was not ideal condition-wise. Seriously, I had fun with friends and family. I took my time to relax and have a good winter. As a Tour winner, everyone has an opinion about what you should and shouldn't do, right?"
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion; I can't change that. All I can say is that it has no effect on me. I don't care . I only listen to the people on the team.”
Vingegaard gave an insight into being under continuous scrutiny after winning the Tour de France, as he took part in races in Singapore and Saitama.
“I celebrated my victory and then went home. It was no more or less than that,” he added.
“We were still thinking about a Vuelta participation, but it was not ideal condition-wise. Seriously, I had fun with friends and family. I took my time to relax and have a good winter. As a Tour winner, everyone has an opinion about what you should and shouldn't do, right?"
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion; I can't change that. All I can say is that it has no effect on me. I don't care, I only listen to the people on the team.”
The focus now for Vingegaard is on defending the yellow jersey and is relishing the challenge of heading into the Grand Tour as defending champion.
“I'm looking forward to going back with the number one jersey. I will be the sole leader. That creates - just like the fact that I am the defending champion - more and at the same time less pressure. I won the Tour,” he added.
“Sometimes I wake up and have to convince myself it wasn't a dream, but I know how to do it now.”
“If I never win again, I can always say that I succeeded once. On the other hand, everything falls on my shoulders, but I can handle that. No problem. It even feels comfortable to be the defending champion.”
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