As we look ahead to the 2025 cycling season, one of the most intriguing questions facing the sport is whether two of its brightest stars, Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel, should take on the ultimate challenge of the Giro-Tour double. Both riders are considered among the most talented and promising Grand Tour contenders of their generation, and their potential to dominate the sport is undeniable. However, the idea of tackling both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same year is a bold move, one that has rarely been achieved in modern cycling.
Historically, few riders have succeeded in winning both the Giro and the Tour in a single season, with only a handful of riders attempting it. This monumental challenge raises several important questions: Would Vingegaard and Evenepoel have the physical and mental stamina to pull it off? What are the risks involved in such an endeavor? And, most importantly, would they even need to take on the Giro-Tour double to solidify their legacies as the next great cycling icons?
The Case for the Double: Vingegaard and Evenepoel’s Potential
Jonas Vingegaard, the reigning Tour de France champion, has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for stage racing. His time-trialing ability, climbing prowess, and resilience in the mountains have made him the de facto leader of Jumbo-Visma, and he’s shown that he can dominate the Tour. However, the Giro d’Italia remains a largely untapped opportunity for Vingegaard. While many of the race’s toughest climbs align with Vingegaard’s strengths, the unpredictability of the Italian Grand Tour—its brutal early stages, time trials, and the aggressive racing—could provide a compelling challenge for him.
Remco Evenepoel, on the other hand, has already demonstrated a remarkable ability to win Grand Tours, most notably with his victory at the 2022 Vuelta a España and his dominating performances in one-day classics and time trials. The Belgian prodigy has an aggressive style of racing and a flair for bold tactics, qualities that could make him a strong contender for the Giro and, if conditions align, the Tour as well. His prowess in individual time trials, in addition to his climbing, positions him as a more complete all-around rider than many of his rivals, but it’s clear that Evenepoel still needs to refine his ability to handle the prolonged pressure of three-week Grand Tours.
The Physical and Mental Toll
Taking on both the Giro and the Tour in a single season is no small feat. The physical demands of two three-week Grand Tours are immense, and the risk of burnout or injury increases significantly when attempting such a challenge. Historically, even the best riders have struggled with fatigue, both physical and mental, when racing the Giro and the Tour in consecutive months. The relentless nature of the two races can sap a rider’s strength, leaving them vulnerable to underperformance in one or both of the Grand Tours.
Additionally, the mental toll of focusing on two major Grand Tours in a single season is often underestimated. The constant pressure to perform, deal with setbacks, and maintain peak form over several months can break even the most seasoned professionals. Riders like Chris Froome and Alberto Contador, who have attempted the Giro-Tour double in the past, have experienced mixed results—sometimes with spectacular victories, but more often with an inability to maintain top form across both races.
Jonas Vingegaard, having already achieved his dream by winning the Tour, may have a different approach to his future. For him, the desire to win the Giro could be driven by a need to assert himself as the undisputed best stage racer of his generation. However, he must weigh the risks of attempting the double. Evenepoel, too, faces the challenge of balancing his ambitions with the physical limitations of his body, particularly considering his relative youth. The mental challenge of managing expectations while racing the two biggest races in the world could ultimately prove overwhelming.
Strategic Considerations: A Balanced Approach?
Another critical factor in deciding whether to pursue the Giro-Tour double is the ability to tailor race schedules and strategies. For both Vingegaard and Evenepoel, it would require impeccable planning and a meticulous approach to training and recovery. Vingegaard could approach the Giro as a preparation for the Tour, using it to fine-tune his form, while Evenepoel could opt for a more aggressive approach, potentially taking on the Giro as a target in its own right.
However, there’s a compelling argument to be made for a more selective approach. Both riders are still young, and given the pressures of professional cycling, it may be wiser for them to focus on specific races rather than chasing the elusive double. In fact, by concentrating their efforts on one Grand Tour each year, Vingegaard and Evenepoel could solidify their legacy without the added risk of spreading themselves too thin. The sport has seen riders like Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič focus on singular Grand Tour campaigns, which has proven to be a more successful and sustainable model for long-term success.
The Legacy Debate: Is the Double Necessary?
Does taking on both the Giro and Tour really add to a rider’s legacy? Historically, only a select few riders have successfully achieved the Giro-Tour double, such as Fausto Coppi, Eddy Merckx, and Bernard Hinault. However, the modern cycling calendar has changed significantly, and the complexity of scheduling, the increased intensity of the races, and the strength of the competition make this double less attainable.
In the case of Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel, it’s clear that both have the talent to win either of these Grand Tours, if not both. But whether attempting the Giro-Tour double is the best route for their careers is another matter. Rather than chasing a piece of history, they may be better off building their legacy around consistent, dominant performances in one race at a time. By focusing on one Grand Tour per year, they could prolong their careers and reduce the risk of burnout.
Conclusion: A Double or a Deliberate Focus?
Should Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel aim for the Giro-Tour double in 2025? The answer is complex. The allure of cementing their names in cycling history is undeniable, but the physical and mental challenges are formidable. For both riders, the question may not be about achieving the double, but rather about managing their careers in a way that maximizes their chances for long-term success and legacy. If they approach the 2025 season with strategic caution, it might not be the double that defines their careers—but the ability to focus and win at the highest level, year after year.