.
.
.
#TourDeFrance #VismaLeaseABike #JonasVingegaard #TadejPogacar #CyclingNews #DreamTeam #AltitudeCamp #TDF2025 #SuperDomestiques #GiroDItalia #UAE #Emirates #CyclingRivalry #ShotsFired #CyclingPassion #CycleStrong
Source link
The upcoming Tour de France is shaping up to be a monumental clash between cycling’s titans, with Jonas Vingaegaard and Tadej Pogačar leading their respective super teams, Visma-Lease a Bike and UAE-Team Emirates. A recent leak, seemingly from Visma’s team chef Rolf Hoekstra via a now-deleted Instagram story, has revealed the likely lineup for Visma-Lease a Bike’s pre-Tour altitude camp in Tignes. This leak hints at a powerhouse squad backing Vingegaard in his quest to dethrone Pogačar.
The leaked roster includes:
- Jonas Vingegaard: The two-time Tour champion is reportedly in peak form, claiming he feels like a “completely different person” compared to last year’s struggles following his Basque Country crash.
- Simon Yates: Fresh off his Giro d’Italia victory, Yates brings climbing prowess and GC experience.
- Matteo Jorgenson: The American is tipped to be a key domestique and potential GC contender in his own right.
- Sepp Kuss: The climbing specialist has proven his ability to support Vingegaard in the high mountains.
- Wout van Aert: The versatile Belgian can dominate flat stages, time trials, and even challenge in the classics.
- Victor Campenaerts: A strong rouleur who can help control the peloton on flat and rolling terrain.
- Edoardo Affini: A surprise inclusion, Affini steps in as a replacement for the ill Christophe Laporte, bringing his time trial and flat stage expertise.
- Tiesj Benoot: Though not listed for the Tignes camp, the Belgian all-rounder is expected to complete the eight-man squad after the Tour de Suisse.
This lineup is stacked with talent, potentially making it one of the strongest Tour de France teams in recent history. However, the question remains: can this dream team topple Pogačar and UAE Emirates’ equally formidable squad? UAE Emirates has been vocal about their confidence, with director Andrej Hauptman stating they are “not afraid of Vingegaard” and fully prepared for the challenge.
While cycling is a team sport, success ultimately hinges on individual performance. Vingegaard has expressed confidence in his form, stating that his body is reacting better to training compared to last year. With Pogačar also in peak condition following an aggressive early-season schedule, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown.
The upcoming Critérium du Dauphiné, starting June 4, will provide a sneak peek into the form of both superstars, as they are expected to bring most of their Tour de France domestiques to the race. This event will be a crucial test for Visma-Lease a Bike and UAE Emirates as they fine-tune their strategies ahead of the Tour.
Simon Yates’ victory at the Giro d’Italia has shifted the narrative in Visma’s favor, but UAE remains undeterred. Hauptman dismissed recent jabs from Visma CEO Richard Plugge, reinforcing that they are sticking to their plan and remain confident in their ability to compete. Plugge, meanwhile, has positioned Vingegaard as the Tour favorite, touting Visma’s advancements in technology, nutrition, and AI as key advantages.
The battle between these two super teams is not just about the riders but also about the strategic arms race behind the scenes. Both squads are leveraging cutting-edge technology and data to gain an edge, making the 2025 Tour de France one of the most anticipated editions in recent memory.
In summary, the leaked Visma-Lease a Bike lineup suggests a formidable team backing Vingegaard, but UAE Emirates remains confident in its ability to counter. With both teams bringing their A-game, fans can expect a Tour de France for the ages when the race kicks off on July 5. The buildup continues at the Dauphiné, offering a tantalizing preview of the epic battles to come.
