Jonas Vingegaard on Wout van Aert: “He’s the Only One Who Can Match Pogacar—He Can Win the World Championship!”
In the high-stakes world of professional cycling, there are few names as revered as Tadej Pogačar and Wout van Aert. Both riders have carved out their places in cycling history, with Pogačar dominating grand tours and Van Aert showcasing his versatility across multiple disciplines. However, one name that has gained increasing attention for his thoughts on the competitive landscape is Jonas Vingegaard, the reigning Tour de France champion. Recently, Vingegaard made a bold statement that has electrified the cycling community: “Wout van Aert is the only one who can match Pogačar, and he can win the World Championship.”
Vingegaard’s assertion that Van Aert is the rider most capable of challenging the Slovenian powerhouse Pogačar carries significant weight. The Danish cyclist has not only ridden alongside Van Aert for Team Jumbo-Visma, but he has also competed against Pogačar at the highest level, giving him a unique perspective on the rivalry between these two extraordinary riders. This article delves deep into Vingegaard’s statement, exploring why he believes Van Aert is Pogačar’s greatest rival and how Van Aert could claim the ultimate prize—the World Championship.
Wout van Aert: The All-Rounder Extraordinaire
To understand why Vingegaard holds Van Aert in such high regard, it’s essential to appreciate Van Aert’s incredible versatility as a rider. Born in Belgium, Van Aert’s early career was shaped by cyclo-cross, where he won multiple world championships. His ability to thrive in the mud and cold honed his technical skills and mental toughness, traits that have served him well as he transitioned to road cycling.
Unlike many riders who specialize in a particular type of race, Van Aert excels across a variety of terrains. He is a formidable sprinter, a powerful time trialist, and one of the best climbers in the peloton—a combination of skills that is exceedingly rare in the sport. His ability to challenge for victories in one-day classics, grand tour stages, and time trials makes him one of the most complete riders in the world.
Vingegaard’s statement reflects this versatility. “Wout can do it all,” Vingegaard remarked. “Whether it’s sprinting, climbing, or powering through a time trial, he’s a threat in every aspect of racing. That’s why I believe he’s the one who can truly challenge Pogačar.” For Vingegaard, Van Aert’s well-roundedness is key to competing against Pogačar, a rider who has dominated both stage races and one-day classics in recent years.
The Pogačar Challenge: Why Van Aert is the One to Beat Him
Tadej Pogačar has quickly become one of the most successful cyclists of his generation. With two Tour de France victories and numerous other accolades, Pogačar’s ability to dominate in the mountains, time trials, and even sprint finishes makes him an almost unbeatable force. His aggressive racing style and seemingly limitless stamina have left many competitors in awe.
Yet, Jonas Vingegaard, who has battled Pogačar directly in grand tours, believes that if anyone can dethrone the Slovenian, it’s Wout van Aert. “Pogačar is incredible, no doubt, but Wout has something special,” Vingegaard said. “His endurance and his ability to perform consistently over the course of a race are unmatched. He knows how to conserve energy, when to attack, and when to play it smart. That’s something that will give him an edge in races like the World Championships.”
What makes Van Aert particularly dangerous for a rider like Pogačar is his tactical intelligence. Van Aert doesn’t just rely on raw power—he’s a thinking rider who can read a race and adapt his strategy based on how it unfolds. This is a critical factor in one-day races like the World Championships, where race dynamics can shift dramatically over the course of a few hours.
Van Aert’s recent performances have only reinforced Vingegaard’s belief. Whether it’s winning mountain stages at the Tour de France, dominating time trials, or out-sprinting some of the world’s best finishers, Van Aert has proven time and again that he can compete at the highest level in every discipline. His consistency across a wide range of races is what sets him apart from other riders who may excel in one area but struggle in others.
Van Aert’s Journey to the World Championship
Winning the World Championship is no small feat, and the rainbow jersey is one of the most coveted prizes in cycling. The race itself is unique—unlike the grand tours or classics, the World Championship is a one-day race, where national teams, rather than trade teams, compete. It’s an all-out battle for glory, with no room for error.
Van Aert has come close to winning the World Championship in the past, finishing as the runner-up twice. His near misses have fueled his hunger to finally secure the rainbow jersey. “Those losses were tough,” Van Aert admitted after his second runner-up finish. “But I’ve learned from them. I know what it takes now, and I’m more determined than ever.”
Jonas Vingegaard believes that Van Aert’s past experiences will be crucial in 2025. “Wout has been so close, and those near victories have only made him stronger,” Vingegaard said. “He’s learned how to handle the pressure, and he’s more prepared than ever to take on Pogačar and the rest of the field.”
The 2025 World Championship will likely take place on a challenging course, with tough climbs and technical descents, conditions that play to Van Aert’s strengths. His ability to excel in tough terrain and unpredictable weather makes him a natural contender for the title.
The Vingegaard-Van Aert Dynamic
One of the most fascinating aspects of Jonas Vingegaard’s praise for Van Aert is the dynamic between the two riders. Both are key members of Team Jumbo-Visma, and their collaboration has been critical to their individual successes. In the 2022 and 2023 Tours de France, Van Aert played a crucial role in helping Vingegaard win, acting as a super-domestique and controlling races when needed.
Vingegaard’s respect for Van Aert goes beyond just his physical abilities. “Wout is not just an incredible athlete; he’s also an amazing teammate,” Vingegaard said. “He’s selfless when he needs to be, but he’s also a fierce competitor when it’s his moment. That’s a rare combination, and it’s what makes him such a special rider.”
As the two riders continue to support each other in their respective goals, it’s clear that their partnership will be key to future successes. Vingegaard’s belief in Van Aert is rooted in years of racing alongside him, seeing firsthand what makes the Belgian rider so special.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the 2025 cycling season approaches, all eyes will be on the rivalry between Pogačar and Van Aert. With both riders aiming for glory in the World Championship and other major races, fans can expect thrilling battles and high-stakes drama. Jonas Vingegaard’s bold statement—that Van Aert is the only one who can truly challenge Pogačar—has only heightened the anticipation.
Van Aert, for his part, seems more motivated than ever. “I’ve come close, but I’m ready to go all the way,” Van Aert said in a recent interview. “I know what I need to do to win, and I’m confident in my preparation. 2025 is going to be my year.”
For Jonas Vingegaard, the belief in his teammate is unwavering. “Wout is going to win the World Championship, I can feel it,” he said. “He’s the only one who can match Pogačar, and I think 2025 will be the year he proves it to the world.”
As the cycling season draws nearer, one thing is certain: the stage is set for an epic showdown between two of the sport’s greatest talents, with Wout van Aert poised to make his mark and capture the elusive rainbow jersey.
