‘We Still Believe We Can Fight for the Win’ – Visma-Lease a Bike Confident Jonas Vingegaard Can Challenge Tadej Pogačar in 2026 Tour de France
Visma-Lease a Bike have reaffirmed their faith in two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, insisting the Danish rider remains capable of dethroning Tadej Pogačar in the 2026 edition of the race. Despite Pogačar’s near-flawless dominance in 2025, Visma’s management and riders are convinced that Vingegaard’s resilience, determination, and methodical preparation could swing the balance back in their favor next July.
After suffering a difficult 2025 campaign marred by injuries and inconsistent form, Vingegaard is now fully recovered and already training in the Spanish mountains, according to team sources. The Dane, who won the Tour in 2022 and 2023, endured a tough setback last year when Pogačar produced one of the most commanding victories in modern Tour history. Yet, within the Visma camp, there remains a strong belief that their leader can once again rise to the top.
Team sports director Merijn Zeeman expressed optimism about the upcoming season. “Jonas is back to his best. He’s motivated, focused, and already putting in huge training blocks. We know what he’s capable of when he’s at 100%. The goal is clear — fight for yellow in 2026,” Zeeman said. “Pogačar has raised the bar, but we still believe we can fight for the win.”
Sources close to the team suggest that Visma will also bolster their support squad for the Tour, adding depth to their climbing and time-trial units. The team plans to bring a more balanced roster to support Vingegaard in the high mountains, potentially including Sepp Kuss and Wilco Kelderman alongside new signings yet to be announced.
Vingegaard himself remains calm but quietly confident. In a recent interview, he said, “Tadej has been exceptional, and I respect everything he’s done. But every race starts from zero. I’ve learned from last season, and I’m hungrier than ever. I know I can win again.”
Cycling fans are already buzzing with excitement at the prospect of another Vingegaard–Pogačar duel. The two have defined an era of modern cycling, their rivalry producing unforgettable moments of tactical brilliance and raw endurance. Pogačar, now a five-time Tour winner, will enter 2026 as the undisputed favorite — but Visma-Lease a Bike’s determination to reclaim glory ensures the story is far from over.
As the 2026 season builds momentum, Visma are expected to target several early races — including Paris-Nice and the Critérium du Dauphiné — to fine-tune strategy and assess Vingegaard’s form. While Pogačar continues to dominate headlines with his versatility and charm, the quiet Dane from Glyngøre is preparing in the shadows, methodically plotting his return to cycling’s biggest stage.
For Visma-Lease a Bike, the mission is clear: to prove that belief, discipline, and preparation can still overcome Pogačar’s brilliance. The Tour de France may be nine months away, but the battle lines are already drawn — and once again, the world will be watching as Vingegaard vs. Pogačar takes center stage in cycling’s most antic
ipated rivalry.
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