Jonas Vingegaard has revealed that he considered stepping away from professional cycling last year. Speaking in a striking interview with the Danish broadcaster TV2, the two-time Tour de France winner opened up about the pressures and stresses that had mounted up, along with the changes he demanded of his team ahead of the 2026 season.
"I said last year that if this was how it was going to be, I couldn't be in it anymore," Vingegaard said.
"That's also why we changed some things. I also think the team realised that this was how it was, and they could also tell from me that I wasn't happy last year. They accepted that we had to change something, and we did."
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Vingegaard has made references to the depths of his struggles over the previous two seasons, linked most notably to the life-threatening crash he suffered in April 2024, and to feeling back to his old self so far in a highly successful 2026.
However, he has now revealed the extent of the strain that being a modern-day professional cyclist has had upon him.
"As a cyclist, you feel like you're constantly on a diet. You always have to think about your weight, and you're always out training. A lot is demanded of you. It takes a toll on your body and your mind," Vingegaard said.
Burnout has been a common theme in recent years as the demands on pros have risen, with every aspect of their lives governed or at least influenced by data, and long periods spent away from family and friends not only for racing but also training.
"We have taken a step in the right direction, but it is clear that it is only a step, says Vingegaard.
TV2 reports that Vingegaard called for a reduction in long altitude training camps as they sought to come to an arrangement that would offer him more balance in 2026 and beyond.
"I think that in general you should look at it more individually, what suits the individual rider best," Vingegaard said.
"In order for cycling to become a sustainable sport again, it is probably more the direction to go that you create individual programs for all riders. If it is hard to be away for such a long time, then you have to do something else, and that is what we have done for me this year."
Vingegaard has been on fire in 2026, winning Paris-Nice and the Volta a Catalunya before dominating the Giro d'Italia to complete the set of all three Grand Tour titles. He has suffered an early setback at the Tour de France, losing 2:42 to arch-rival Tadej Pogačar on the first big mountain stage over the Col du Tourmalet.
Asked by TV2 if he is more motivated this year, he replied: "Yes, much more. And I'm much happier being a cyclist."
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