'Hopefully I can take a step in the next three weeks' - Jonas Vingegaard aims for improvement ahead of Tour de France

Jonas Vingegaard remains focused on his Tour de France preparation rather than results at the Critérium du Dauphiné, where rival Tadej Pogačar has shown dominant form. The Danish rider emphasised his methodical approach to peak for cycling's biggest race.

"We only focus on ourselves. We focus on our process to be as good as possible in the Tour, and we still do it, no matter what happens here," Vingegaard said after the final stage of the Dauphiné.

When asked about specific areas for improvement before the Tour starts in three weeks, Vingegaard acknowledged he needs development across multiple domains.

"A bit of everything, on the acceleration, on the longer climbs as well. Hopefully, I can take a step in the next three weeks until the start of the Tour," Vingegaard said.

The two-time Tour champion revealed he had brief conversations with Pogačar during racing, discussing tactical decisions like whether to follow splits in the peloton. These interactions highlight the complex relationship between cycling's top competitors.

Vingegaard refused to speculate on potential weaknesses in Pogačar's performance despite reporters pressing for insights.

"Tadej looks very, very strong, so it's hard to see anything. We also focus more on ourselves," Vingegaard stated. "Even if I saw something, I wouldn't say it here."

The Dane offered an interesting perspective on the psychological aspects of entering the Tour as defending champion versus challenger. While acknowledging Pogačar faces greater pressure as the favourite, he expressed confidence in both riders' mental fortitude.

"Being the defending champion is way more pressure than being the second. It depends on your preparation," Vingegaard explained. "There's more pressure on him, but I think he's also in a place that he can really handle it."

Despite suggestions he might be flying under the radar compared to Pogačar, Vingegaard dismissed the notion of being underestimated.

"For sure, Tadej is the biggest favourite, but I don't think they will underrate anyone," he concluded.

The Tour de France begins on July 5, giving Vingegaard three more weeks to refine his form before attempting to conquer a rampant Pogačar.