The world of cycling has long been dominated by the likes of Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, and Lance Armstrong (despite the controversy). Yet, over the past few years, Jonas Vingegaard’s rise to the top of the sport has sparked heated debates among fans and pundits alike: Could he one day be ranked as one of the greatest cyclists of all time?
Vingegaard’s back-to-back Tour de France wins in 2022 and 2023 set him on a path to greatness. His ascension has been meteoric, with his precise climbing skills, tactical brilliance, and an ability to withstand pressure marking him as one of the sport’s top talents. But does this qualify him for cycling immortality? That question divides the cycling world into two camps—those who see him as a future legend and those who argue he’s not quite there yet.
Why Vingegaard Could Be One of the Greatest
1. Dominance in the Modern Era
Vingegaard’s ability to dominate the peloton during the last two Tours, particularly in the high mountains, was reminiscent of Indurain’s powerful surges and Chris Froome’s unbeatable streaks. In a time when cycling has become more competitive and data-driven, Vingegaard has stood out as a strategic master. He has consistently outperformed rivals like Tadej Pogačar, making it look effortless at times. If he continues this streak, his name will naturally ascend into the pantheon of cycling greats.
2. Complete Rider Profile
Jonas Vingegaard is not a one-dimensional rider. His ability to climb, time trial, and handle technical descents shows versatility that is crucial to becoming an all-time great. He has proven to be a rider who can adapt, whether it’s surviving brutal climbs like Mont Ventoux or blitzing through time trials, reminiscent of the well-rounded dominance Merckx once displayed.
3. Unrivaled Consistency in Grand Tours
Winning the Tour de France is no easy feat, but maintaining the level of dominance across multiple Tours is rarer still. If Vingegaard can continue this pattern over the next few years, consistently competing and winning at the highest level, he will undeniably belong to the conversation of cycling legends.
Why It’s Too Soon to Crown Him
1. Lack of Monument Wins
One of the biggest criticisms of Vingegaard’s career so far is the absence of Monument wins—cycling’s five greatest one-day races. Riders like Merckx, who is widely considered the greatest, didn’t just dominate stage races like the Tour but also won multiple Monuments. Vingegaard’s Grand Tour success doesn’t guarantee that he will be ranked among the legends unless he can also conquer the Monuments.
2. Era of Specialization
Critics point out that today’s cycling era has produced more specialized riders than ever before, meaning a rider like Vingegaard can focus on just the Grand Tours and avoid the full demands of being a complete rider. Compared to previous generations, where the best cyclists competed across all terrains, some argue that Vingegaard’s success is reflective of a narrower focus.
3. What About Pogačar?
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian prodigy who Vingegaard has bested in the Tour, could easily steal the limelight in future editions. If Pogačar returns to his winning ways and overtakes Vingegaard in terms of Tour victories and all-around achievements, Vingegaard’s status as a potential all-time great could be severely diminished. It is one thing to beat a great rival; it is another to dominate them for years.
4. The Long Shadow of Doping Scandals
Let’s face it—cycling has been tainted by numerous doping scandals, especially when riders become as dominant as Vingegaard has been. While there is no evidence to suggest any wrongdoing on his part, the sport’s history has made fans and critics alike wary of anyone who achieves too much too quickly. Should any allegations arise in the future, it could shatter his claim to greatness, just as it did for Armstrong.
The Verdict: Greatness on the Horizon?
Jonas Vingegaard has the potential to become one of the greatest cyclists of all time, but potential alone does not equal greatness. He still has to prove that he can sustain his dominance across multiple disciplines and eras. More Monuments, more Grand Tours, and an enduring legacy free from controversy are all necessary steps on his journey.
In the end, whether Vingegaard will be ranked alongside Merckx or Indurain is a question only time can answer. But for now, the cycling world watches with bated breath, wondering whether this rising star will burn brightly enough to outshine them all—or fade before reaching his true peak.