Jonas Vingegaard believes he has 'closed gap' to Tadej Pogacar after La Vuelta win and has returned to 'high level'
Updated 17/09/2025 at 12:29 GMT+1
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Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar will likely start 2026 as the two strongest riders in the world, and the former thinks he has "closed the gap" on his rival this summer. Vingegaard finished over four minutes behind Pogacar at the Tour de France but has renewed confidence after his victory at La Vuelta. Vingegaard and Pogacar could meet at the European Championships.
Highlights: Vingegaard takes Stage 20 to close in on La Vuelta glory
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jonas Vingegaard says his performance at La Vuelta has given him "confidence" that he has "closed the gap" on Tadej Pogacar.
Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates XRG) has been the dominant rider in men’s racing in 2025, distancing himself from the pack with a string of dazzling performances.
Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) was expected to be the closest challenger to Pogacar at the Tour de France as both vied for a third title, and although he was, Pogacar still won by over four minutes.
Vingegaard, though, was coming off an injury-hit start to the season and has just boosted his confidence with victory at La Vuelta.
He told Feltet that his triumph has given him belief that he can challenge Pogacar next year.
"Yes, I think so. But I also think that the Tour de France gave me some faith and hope," he said.
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"It's clear that I had some bad days in the Tour, which I still have a hard time explaining, but somehow I also think that when I was on my days, he couldn't drive away from me, so I feel like I've closed the gap on him from last year."
Vingegaard won the Vuelta by one minute and 16 seconds from second-placed Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates).
He triumphed on three stages in the race, including the penultimate stage that featured a steep climb to the finish.
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Watch: Pogacar salutes McNulty as UAE end with dominant one-two at GP de Montreal
Video credit: TNT Sports
"It is clear that here in the Vuelta I also think that when I was at my level, I also had a really, really high level," added Vingegaard.
Vingegaard and Pogacar will not face off at the UCI Road World Championships as the Dane is not competing.
The UCI Road World Championships take place from September 21-28 and will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The European Championships in France follow on October 1-5, and they are on the agenda for both Pogacar and Vingegaard.
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