Vingegaard Couldn’t Deliver Pogačar-Size Power at the Giro – but He Won’t Be Worried

Jonas Vingegaard’s recent victory on the Blockhaus stage of the Giro d'Italia, while impressive, reportedly saw him produce power outputs significantly below his Tour de France-winning levels, according to VeloNews' analysis. Estimates suggest his performance was not in the same league as Tadej Pogačar's dominant Giro displays, indicating a deliberate, measured effort rather than a full-throttle assault. This strategic output secured the stage win without overexerting the two-time Tour champion.

This calculated approach is entirely consistent with Vingegaard’s established career trajectory and Jumbo-Visma’s (now Visma-Lease a Bike’s) meticulous preparation for the Tour de France. Unlike Pogačar, who targeted the Giro for an unprecedented double, Vingegaard's primary objective remains July. His participation in the Giro, therefore, serves as a high-level training block and a test of form, rather than a full-scale assault on the pink jersey. The lower power numbers suggest he’s building, not peaking, a stark contrast to his rival’s current form.

Ultimately, Vingegaard's Giro performance is precisely what one would expect from a rider whose sights are firmly set on a third yellow jersey. To have shown Pogačar-level power now would be concerning, not reassuring.