In a setback for cycling fans and competitors, Jonas Vingegaard, the celebrated Danish cyclist and two-time Tour de France champion, will not compete in the upcoming Tour de Catalogne. The race is set to commence on March 24, 2025, in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, marking a disappointment not only for Vingegaard but also for his team, Visma-Lease a Bike.
The 28-year-old's decision to withdraw is a result of an injury sustained during last week’s Paris-Nice race. Vingegaard fell on March 13 during the fifth stage of this prestigious event, about 100 kilometers from the finish line. Unlike some might suspect, he emerged from that crash with no fractures but did finish the stage with an injured hand, raising concerns about his readiness for the Tour de Catalogne.
According to the team’s update on X (formerly Twitter), “Jonas Vingegaard is not yet sufficiently recovered from his fall at Paris-Nice.” They further stated, “Therefore, he will not be starting the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya. We wish him a speedy recovery!” This news raises questions about Vingegaard's condition as he recovers from what many hope is a temporary setback.
Vingegaard was able to complete the fifth stage of Paris-Nice but did so under strenuous conditions, finishing in 16th place, 26 seconds behind the stage winner, French cyclist Lenny Martinez. After that stage, the pain became unmanageable, leading him to abandon the race prior to the 6th stage on March 14.
His absence from the Tour de Catalogne is significant as this event marks the 104th edition of the race, which will feature three summit finishes, including climbs at La Molina, Montserrat, and Queralt before concluding in Barcelona. Fans are eager to see how the race unfolds, particularly in Vingegaard's absence. As a testament to his enduring legacy and competitive spirit, 2024 was not an easy year for Vingegaard; he faced challenges from rivals like Tadej Pogacar, who narrowly outperformed him during the Tour de France.
With Vingegaard sidelined, the Visma-Lease a Bike team is turning to Sepp Kuss, the winner of the 2023 Tour d'Espagne. Kuss is expected to take the lead in this highly competitive race, backed by a strong supporting cast that includes capable teammates such as Steven Kruijswijk, Wilco Kelderman, and Simon Yates.
The implications of Vingegaard's rebooted racing schedule are being closely monitored, especially with major events like the Critérium du Dauphiné looming on the horizon in June, followed by the Tour de France later in the summer. This adjustment does signify a strategic shift for Vingegaard, who had initially marked the Tour de Catalogne as a key race on his calendar.
As cycling enthusiasts prepare for the Tour de Catalogne, the competition will surely feel the absence of Vingegaard, a rider who is no stranger to climbing challenges and competitive landscapes. Even in his absence, the race will feature some of the top competitors in the cycling world, with riders hungry to grace the podium and prove their mettle.
In reflection, while the slate is undoubtedly clouded with uncertainty for Vingegaard and his supporters, the focus will now turn to the exciting prospects that lie ahead for the Visma-Lease a Bike team. With Kuss leading the charge in Catalonia, will he be able to replicate the success that Vingegaard sought? Time will tell, as the cycling world eagerly anticipates this pivotal moment in the 2025 racing season.
