'It's been the one I just couldn't get right' - Vingegaard on finally winning Paris-Nice

Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) finally got his hands on Paris-Nice on Sunday, sealing the overall title in Nice after a week of dominant racing.

Vingegaard has won Grand Tours and one-week races, but Paris-Nice had somehow eluded him due to a variety of circumstances, mainly down to bad luck. That changed this week, and Vingegaard reflected on the achievement after crossing the line.

"It's been the one I just couldn't get right. Now I finally get it right, and that makes me extremely happy," Vingegaard told reporters at the finish. "It's a good start to the year and it's something I'm really proud of."

Sunday's finale wasn't without drama. Vingegaard was beaten on the day by Lenny Martinez after the pair had gone clear on the final climb, but was gracious in defeat. "He was very strong, so he deserves to win as well," said Vingegaard.

When asked about his victory and if it sent a statement, Vingegaard acknowledged that it was about the passion for racing. "For me, it's just about racing and trying to win the races that I'm doing. This was my first race of the year, and I'm just extremely happy with how everything went."

The general classification victory is Vingegaard's first of his 2026 season at the first attempt, and his first Paris-Nice title, adding the Race to the Sun to a palmarès that already includes two Tour de France titles, a Vuelta a España, and wins at Tirreno-Adriatico, the Critérium du Dauphiné, and Itzulia Basque Country. 

Regarding his early-season shape, Vingegaard stated, "Definitely my shape is very, very good at the moment," he said, "and I still think I can improve for the upcoming races, especially for the Tour."

Visma | Lease a Bike Sports Director Marc Reef echoed the comments made by Vingegard, pre-stage to Sporza. "He [Vingeggard] feels a lot better, said Reef. "We also see that reflected in the values he is pushing. They are higher than last year."