Sport

Vingegaard Triumphs at Vuelta: A Golden Celebration Interrupted

2025-09-14

Author: Ling

In a dazzling display of cycling prowess, Jonas Vingegaard clinched his first Vuelta title, marking the third Grand Tour victory of his career. "I’m super proud of this overall win," he exclaimed, reflecting on the three grueling weeks of competition. After a thrilling start with two stage wins, Vingegaard faced challenges but surged back to claim a spectacular win on the formidable Bola del Mundo. "It was a beautiful way to crown this Vuelta," he added.

Team Visma’s sports director, Jesper Mørkøv, lauded the team's unwavering support throughout the race. "Yesterday echoed with a fantastic final mountain stage. We knew UAE Team Emirates would pose a tough challenge, yet our team astoundingly shielded Jonas, who upheld the leader's jersey with undeniable strength. With three stage victories and now the overall win, Jonas truly deserves this accolade!" This remarkable victory boosted Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s total to 38 wins so far in 2025, while Vingegaard himself celebrates a personal tally of six.

Traditionally, the vibrant finale in Madrid is a spectacle of jubilant cyclists taking to the streets, but this year’s celebration was marred by protests. As a result, the team missed the opportunity to revel in their success within the city’s iconic circuit, making their fifth Vuelta title in seven years less festive.

Richard Plugge, the CEO of Team Visma | Lease a Bike, expressed his pride over the victory despite the unfortunate circumstances. "While I’m thrilled with this overall win, it’s disheartening for our team and fans not to experience a grand finale in Madrid’s heart. We’ll celebrate the red jersey in our own way and pay tribute to this incredible achievement." He also touched upon the role of sports in broader societal conversations: "Sport is a powerful conduit for connection and understanding. However, we need to protect athletes from becoming pawns in social debates. Their battles should be fought on the field, ensuring the essence of sport remains a unifying force."