Visma’s change of strategy for the Tour de France after the loss of Van Aert: more wood for Vingegaard

ByDavid Mitchell

Without a doubt, one of the great losses for the next Tour de Francewhich begins on Saturday, July 4 in Barcelona, ​​will be Wout van Aertdue to the infection of a poorly healed wound on the elbow that even led him to be admitted to the hospital. And this Tuesday, the team Visma announced what will be his replacement for the gala round and the rest of his lineup for the big event of the year. And the conclusion drawn is clear: the team’s strategy changes.

The Dutch team goes from having a great stage hunter, a cyclist as versatile as Van Aert, capable of aspiring to win massive sprints, to adding a debutant like Van Aert to its list as the eighth rider. Davide Pinganzoli, 23 years old, with a completely different profile from Van Aert.

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Pinganzoli He is a talented runner in the mountains, a climber who can be very good for Vingegaard to help him in his attempt to dethrone Tadej Pogacarthe champion of the last two editions of the French race. Vingegaard wants to recover the scepter he achieved in 2022 and 2023 and Vismagiven the drop in Van Aertopted for a profile that can give good support to the Dane in the promotions, as he already demonstrated in the last Giro, which ended up taking jonas.

After being 8th in the Giro Despite his gregarious role, he shone in the Italian round as the second best youngster and wants to have a prominent role as Vingegaard’s squire. The Italian will not be the only debutant of the Visma in the Tour de Francesince in the formation announced this Tuesday there is also Per Strand Hagenes.

To avoid the 5th victory for Pogacar with Vingegaard as the great antagonist, Team Visma | Lease a Bike He is betting on a formation formed by Jonas himself, who will have Matteo Jorgenson, Sepp Kuss and Bruno Armirail as great allies in the most demanding mountain stages, along with the aforementioned Pinganzoli. For their part, Victor Campenaerts, Per Strand Hagenes and Edoardo Affini will be in charge of protecting Vingegaard in the peloton on the flat stages.

Thus, without Van Aert, Visma will once again be one of the great teams, especially to be taken into account among the favorites to win the first stage, a 19-kilometer time trial in Barcelona that will kick off the event.

David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.