No remarkable spectacle, we recall a controversy in which Jonas Vingegaard delivered an outstanding performance in the time trial, earning praise both nationally and internationally. However, the renowned French sports newspaper L’Équipe chose to take a divergent path. They not only acknowledged the exceptional performance of the Danish cyclist but also raised suspicions based on a problematic history in the world of cycling.
Before the highly anticipated time trial in the Tour de France, few anticipated such a striking discrepancy between Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar. However, the Dane surprised by outperforming the Slovenian by 1:38, delivering an extraordinary display. Wout van Aert, another time trial specialist, trailed almost three minutes behind Vingegaard. The international press then paid tribute to the Danish leader of the Jumbo-Visma team.
In contrast to the majority, L’Équipe was astonished by Vingegaard’s performance, describing it as “out of this world.” Using the metaphor of a flame burning from the beginning of the Tour de France, the newspaper referred to Vingegaard’s dominance in the time trial and the fierce competition he engaged in with an almost imperceptible difference in level compared to Pogacar, a flame that, according to the newspaper, would have been extinguished by the Dane after the 16th stage.
It is crucial to emphasize that the skepticism highlighted by L’Équipe may be rooted in the history of doping cases in cycling, a constant concern in the sports world. Although the text does not provide specific details about the origin of these suspicions, it is clear that the newspaper expresses doubt regarding Vingegaard’s exceptional performance, which significantly deviated from other athletes.
The newspaper emphasizes: “His performance also ignited another flame, that of suspicion. The eternal companion of cycling, hovering over every exceptional achievement. Legitimate questions linger in the ashes of the past. Facing them becomes one of the responsibilities that accompanies the yellow jersey.”