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.
“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.
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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