Victor Campenaerts and his new task of helping Vingegaard against Tadej Pogacar: “We need a Jonas in top-top form”

Victor Campenaerts has always been a rider who has achieved his best results by himself. In the time-trials he has won quite a lot, but he has also become a breakaway specialist. Next year he will switch to more of a domestique role for Team Visma | Lease a Bike and within his likely roles will be support for Jonas Vingegaard against Tadej Pogacar.

“What he’s shown is so incredible. It’s no crime to say it became a bit dull to watch. He attacks, and no one doubts anymore whether he can finish it off. Tadej is so good at the moment. I hope Vingegaard doesn’t face any setbacks and is ready to give him a real fight,” Campenaerts said in the Matt Stephens Unplugged podcast. “And to make cycling exciting again until the final meters of the race.” Campenaerts has thus far not have had real connection with the Slovenian in racing, but next year this may change.

So a lot of the interview was talking about the UAE Team Emirates rider who has dominated the 2024 season, including the Tour de France where Vinggeaard also showed a very high level. “He (Pogacar, ed.) hasn’t reached his peak yet. We need a Jonas in top-top form. I also hope that Remco can take a few more steps in the right direction. If you have three riders battling for it, things will certainly become a lot more exciting.” The previous four Tours have seen the duo finish first and second, they will both prioritize the Grand Boucle again next year with certainty.

 

Campenaerts will now be in a highly competitive team where a spot in the Tour is not even certain despite his quality, but he is also looking to have success of his own in the smaller races and of course, be part of a great collective achievement: “I think I can still win, but it’s hard to achieve something bigger than winning a stage in the Tour de France or breaking the world hour record. What would still be a great addition to my palmarès is being part of the team that wins the Tour de France. I’m highly motivated for that. Making the selection will be difficult, but that’s what I’m aiming for.”