It’s a clear shift in focus from the Dane, who has previously been criticised in some quarters for prioritising stage races almost exclusively. But with two Tour de France titles already to his name, and a potential Vuelta a Espana win on the table this year, the Team Visma | Lease a Bike leader appears ready to broaden his palmarès.
And Rwanda 2025 is no ordinary Worlds. The 267km course is brutal, packed with short, sharp climbs that rack up over 5,000 metres of elevation gain – all at high altitude, between 1,400 and 1,765 metres above sea level. It’s a test that Morkov believes is perfectly suited to Vingegaard’s physiology and mindset. “The course really suits him,” he said. “One of the key factors is the altitude – something Jonas has proven he handles extremely well, thanks to his body composition. Add in the amount of climbing, and you’ve got a very hard race. I think it’s an ideal route for him.”
Some questions had been raised over Vingegaard’s preparation, with the Vuelta a Espana finishing just two weeks before the World Championships road race on 28 September. The overlap leaves little room for a bespoke altitude training block, but Morkov remains unconcerned. “If you’re racing the Vuelta, there’s not really time to train at altitude beforehand – but I still think it’s good preparation,” he explained. “Riders like Jonas are already well-adapted to performing at altitude. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
Mads Pedersen has been the traditional leader of the Danish team over recent years
While Morkov declined to confirm the full Danish squad or discuss the precise nature of his post-Tour conversations with Vingegaard, he did hint at a leaner, more terrain-specific selection process this year. “The best climbers – those who can handle the course – are the ones who will be selected,” he said. “I’ve got a strong long-list of riders who are motivated to go to the World Championships. But this one isn’t for the sprinters or the time triallists. It’s a climbers’ race.”
For Vingegaard, Rwanda could mark a significant milestone – not just a debut in the red and white jersey, but a chance to prove that his prowess extends beyond the high mountains of July, and into the high-stakes, one-day chaos of late-season championship racing. And for one of the most dominant Grand Tour riders of his generation, it might finally be time to chase the Rainbow Jersey.