Defending Tour de France Champion Vingegaard Misses Volta a Catalunya with Injury Setback.

Defending Tour de France Champion Vingegaard Misses Volta a Catalunya with Injury Setback.

Jonas Vingegaard, the reigning Tour de France champion, has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming Volta a Catalunya due to lingering injuries sustained during Paris-Nice. The Danish rider, a key figure for Team Visma-Lease a Bike, continues to recover from the crash that hampered his performance in the prestigious French stage race.

Vingegaard’s absence from the Volta a Catalunya marks a significant setback in his preparations for the 2024 season, particularly as he eyes another Tour de France title defense later in the year. The 27-year-old was expected to use the Spanish stage race as a crucial testing ground for his form against top-tier competition.

Team Visma-Lease a Bike confirmed the decision, citing medical advice and Vingegaard’s ongoing rehabilitation as key factors. “Jonas is making progress, but he is not yet at 100% fitness,” the team stated. “We want to ensure he recovers fully before returning to racing.”

The injuries stem from a crash during Paris-Nice, which left Vingegaard visibly struggling in the latter stages of the race. While the extent of the injuries has not been disclosed in detail, reports suggest they have affected his ability to train at full capacity.

Vingegaard’s withdrawal is a blow to both his team and the Volta a Catalunya, where he was expected to face rivals such as Primož Roglič, Remco Evenepoel, and Tadej Pogačar. The Danish star had been a strong contender for overall victory, given his recent track record in stage racing.

Despite this setback, Vingegaard remains focused on his primary goal: peaking for the Tour de France. With alternative races and training camps available to fine-tune his form, Team Visma-Lease a Bike is expected to recalibrate his racing schedule in the coming weeks.

Cycling fans will now eagerly await updates on his recovery and potential return to competition, with hopes that the Danish champion can regain top form in time for the summer’s biggest race.