‘I don’t think it’s up to me to say that’ - Vingegaard responds to ‘best ever’ praise after Catalunya GC win

The Spanish stage race marked the final opportunity to test his race legs before the first major appointment of the season at the Giro d’Italia in May, and it’s safe to say that it was a resounding success. 

“Yeah, for sure there is,” Vingegaard told the media, including CyclingProNet, when asked if there were plenty of positives to take from another WorldTour GC victory. 

“I think at the moment my shape is good without being at my very best yet. I’m optimistic for the Giro that I will be at a very high level there.”

Vingegaard confirmed that his attention will turn towards the final training camp ahead of the Grande Partenza in Bulgaria on May 8, and suggested that there is still plenty of room to improve before the race kicks off, a daunting prospect for the Dane’s opposition. 

“To be honest, I think I can get quite a bit better. That’s what we think at least, and time will tell,” said Vingegaard. 

The Dane had laid the groundwork for the GC win on stages 5 and 6, meaning that the final circuit stage in Barcelona was more about playing defence rather than attack. 

Red Bull tried to put Vingegaard under pressure as both Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz were consistently on the offensive, but the race leader was up to the task.

“It’s true that they put me under big pressure today, but luckily I had the legs to answer all of them,” said Vingegaard. “At one point, they were trying to attack on shifts, so they did a very good job, and luckily I had the legs to follow and keep my leader's jersey.”

The final stage had added significance as Montjuïc will feature in the Grand Depart in Barcelona at the Tour de France in July, where Vingegaard will be looking to close the gap to Tadej Pogačar after the World Champion won the last two editions convincingly.

“My next race will be the Giro, that’s the first goal. But then also the Tour de France is a big goal for me, so I need to be in super shape for the Tour and we start here in Barcelona and I really enjoy this area of Spain. It’s just super nice, and the people are kind here.”

It’s fair to say that Vingegaard is heading in the right direction after a strong start to the 2026 season, winning both Paris-Nice and now the Volta a Catalunya, giving him a mental boost. 

“Yeah, a lot of motivation, but also every victory gives more confidence, and I have had a great start to the year. It means a lot to me to start this way, both in Paris-Nice but also here in Catalunya. It’s something that gives me a lot of confidence and motivation for what’s coming up.”

The Dane was also complimented by a member of the media who said that it isn’t risky to label Vingegaard as one of the best stage racers in the history of the sport. 

“Well, I mean, I don’t think it’s up to me to say that. I think if somebody thinks it, then ok, that’s a big compliment for me obviously. If you say that I’m one of the best stage racers there has been, that’s something that makes me really happy and proud of what I do.”