Speaking to Feltet, the Danish star said the disappointing European Championships were both a warning and a necessary wake-up call. The two-time Tour de France winner had initially been expected to race the World Championships, but after seeing how empty his tank was at the Euros, he realised it would have been a mistake. “I’m glad I started the race and gave it a try, but I’m even more relieved I didn’t go to the Worlds, that would have been worse,” he admitted with a smile. Having ridden both the Tour and the Vuelta, he said travelling to Africa was never realistic. “I’m honestly happy I didn’t go. It would have been a waste of everyone’s time.”
A season that pushed him too far
Vingegaard has openly discussed how his Vuelta victory drained him and left him unable to train in the weeks leading up to the major championships. “I couldn’t train for two weeks because I was totally exhausted. Around the time of the Worlds I finally did my first ride, it wasn’t a lack of desire, I simply couldn’t do more.”
Although he had a few good training days just before the Euros, his form wasn’t there. “We hoped for more. Training looked okay, but it just didn’t come together.”
Still, he believes his performance answered critics who claim he skips the national team on purpose. “Of course I wanted a better result. But I showed up, and I’m glad I did. It explains why I’ve withdrawn other times, I was completely spent. I hope people now understand there’s a real reason when I don’t line up.”
Looking ahead to 2026 with proper preparation
Despite the rough experience, he still wants to represent Denmark again but only with the right lead-up. “I wouldn’t ride Euros or Worlds again if I’d done both the Tour and the Vuelta. I’d need to prepare properly.”
With the 2026 World Championships offering a friendlier schedule, he hasn’t ruled out racing in Danish colours. “It’s definitely an event I’d like to race next year, but it depends on how my season is planned.”
On the DCU crisis
Vingegaard also commented on the Danish Cycling Union’s financial troubles, which have suspended the national MTB programme and prevented young riders from travelling to the World Championships in Rwanda. “It’s a real shame. It mostly hurts the young talents. The elite riders still get to go, but the younger ones miss a huge opportunity. I hope they sort it out and find new sponsors.”
While riders like Mads Pedersen and Mattias Skjelmose have joined DCU’s Ride for Denmark fundraising efforts, Vingegaard is unsure he can participate. “If I can help, I will, but it’s hard my schedule is already full. I’m not sure I can meaningfully contribute.”
A necessary reset before 2026
Overall, his reflections show a rider who knows he pushed too far in 2025 and is determined not to repeat it. The Euros may have been painful, but they forced a reassessment. With balanced preparation, competing for the rainbow jersey in 2026 remains a real target and next time, he plans to arrive ready.
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