'It's my turn this year' - Vingegaard eyes Giro-Tour double and third Tour de France title

Jonas Vingegaard has declared that 2026 will be "his year", telling Danish broadcaster TV2 that he fully expects to win the Tour de France after two consecutive defeats to Tadej Pogačar.

The two-time Tour de France champion, who won in 2022 and 2023, has seen his Slovenian rival claim the last two editions of the race. Speaking on his return to Denmark after an altitude training camp ahead of the Giro d'Italia, Vingegaard said he sees no reason why the balance of power cannot swing back in his favour this summer.

"It's been a good duel, because it hasn't just been one person who has won every year. We've taken turns winning," Vingegaard said "Now he's won the last two years, so now it's my turn to win this year. I believe I will. I have a good feeling about both the bike race and my preparation. I think this will be our year."

Before any challenge to Pogačar in France, Vingegaard heads to the Giro d'Italia as the clear pre-race favourite for the Italian Grand Tour - the first of his career as Vingegaard aims to complete the Grand Tour treble, with only the Giro missing after his Vuelta win last year. The Dane said his preparation in the mountains has gone to plan.

"I've had some good training and have gotten in better shape," he said. "I'm starting to get close to the shape I want to be in for the Giro d'Italia."

If Vingegaard were to win the Giro, he would join an exclusive group of riders who have claimed all three Grand Tours: Jacques Anquetil, Felice Gimondi, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali and Chris Froome.

Asked about his expectations for the race, Vingegaard was clear. "I go in with the expectations that I can fight for the victory, and the goal is to win the Giro."

Victory in Italy would put Jonas Vingegaard on course to attempt the Giro-Tour double, a rare feat last completed by Marco Pantani in 1998 and more recently by Tadej Pogačar in 2024.

Pogačar will head to the Tour de France aiming for a fifth overall victory, which would see him join the all time record holders Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain.

And with a possible appearance at the Vuelta a España still on the table this year, he could also put himself in contention to join the select group of riders to complete a Grand Tour treble.