“Vingegaard is the only one to beat Pogačar in stage races. To also take on Pogačar in one-day races – that’s a lot to ask”: Visma leader urged to focus on what he’s good at..

Jonas Vingegaard’s ambitions to expand his dominance beyond stage racing have sparked debate within the cycling world, as analysts and former riders caution the Danish star against stretching himself too thin. While Vingegaard remains the only rider to have consistently challenged and beaten Tadej Pogačar in major stage races notably at the 2022 and 2023 Tours de France some insiders believe his growing interest in one-day classics could dilute his greatest strengths.

A former Visma–Lease a Bike staff member told Cyclingnews: “Jonas is built for the long game high mountains, week-long endurance, and recovery over three weeks. Pogačar, on the other hand, thrives in explosive, one-day scenarios. To try to beat him there too is admirable, but it’s a lot to ask.”

Vingegaard, who made his return to racing this season after his brutal crash earlier in 2025, has expressed interest in targeting select one-day races like Liège–Bastogne–Liège and Il Lombardia in 2026. However, his team faces a crucial strategic choice: whether to refine his Tour de France focus or diversify his goals in pursuit of a more complete palmarès.

Former pros have urged caution, pointing to the intense physical and mental demands of combining both types of racing. “Vingegaard’s discipline and climbing engine make him unbeatable in stage races when he’s at 100%. That’s his superpower,” said ex-pro Michael Rasmussen. “He shouldn’t try to be Pogačar in the classics he should be the best version of himself.”

With Pogačar’s dominance spreading across all terrains, Visma’s leader now faces a new challenge not only to beat his rival but to define what kind of champion he wants to be.