Jonas Vingegaard, the Danish cyclist who clinched the Tour de France titles in 2022 and 2023, recently opened up about a traumatic incident from last spring. During an interview with Danish television, the 28-year-old recounted the harrowing moment he crashed during the Tour of the Basque Country, which severely disrupted his season.
"I thought I was going to drown in my own blood," Vingegaard shared, detailing how for the first time in his career, he didn’t attempt to get up after falling. He struggled to breathe for several seconds, which filled his mind with the most dreadful thoughts. "I thought I had internal bleeding, which meant I was going to drown or die. That day, I really thought it was over for me," he recalled, overwhelmed by emotions.
Lying injured on the ground, Vingegaard even contemplated retiring if he managed to survive. The pressure of thinking about his family, particularly his wife Trine and daughter Frida, weighed heavily on him as they awaited the birth of their second child. He couldn’t shake off the fear of leaving them behind.
Unbelievably, just two and a half months after the accident, Vingegaard was at the starting line of the Tour de France on June 29. Despite the grueling challenges he faced, he not only participated but achieved remarkable success, winning the iconic stage at Lioran and finishing the competition overall with a second place—over six minutes behind the untouchable Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar.
This result was monumental, especially considering the circumstances surrounding his recovery and speaks to Vingegaard’s exceptional resilience and determination. After such trauma, many would have hung up their bike, but he was not ready to give up on the fierce competition.
Vingegaard’s 2024 season remained marked by the accident, but it still showcased his remarkable talents, as he secured victories at the Gran Camino and the Tour of Poland. His achievements on the bike and incredible mental fortitude highlight how elite cycling can be both physically demanding and perilous.
This poignant testimony shines a light on the dangers of professional cycling. It also emphasizes the invaluable support from family and team members during times of crisis, which played a pivotal role in aiding Vingegaard’s recovery.
Today, Vingegaard stands renewed, with determination unwavering. He is now fueled by the ambition to face his longstanding rival Pogacar once more, eyeing the iconic yellow jersey for the 2025 Tour de France.
It’s clear future encounters between these two titans will electrify cycling fans and sports enthusiasts alike, as both athletes have continually raised the bar for competitive cycling.
After enduring such hardships, it feels as though Vingegaard is ready to pen the next chapter of his incredible story, one filled with hope for success and possibly triumph against his fierce rival. Fans eagerly await this thrilling narrative on the routes of the 2025 Tour de France!