Image copyright: Getty Images
2023 UCI World Tour
2023 Tour de France
1–23 July 2023
Defending champion Jonas Vingegaard is anticipating another fierce battle with his main rival, Tadej Pogacar, in the
2023 Tour de France.
The Team Jumbo-Visma rider got the better of Pogacar in 2022 after finishing second to the Slovenian the previous year, which was his first appearance in La Grande Boucle.
Suggested photo: Tadej Pogacar of Team UAE Team Emirates
Vingegaard has enjoyed a fine season thus far, finishing first at O Gran Camino (three stage wins), Itzulia Basque Country (three stage wins) and Criterium du Dauphine (two stage wins).
However, the Dane only managed third place at Paris-Nice when he came up against Pogacar, who won the eight-stage race in March before sustaining a broken wrist the following month.
Suggested photo: Wout van Aert of Team Jumbo-Visma
Vingegaard expects the former two-time champion to attack from the outset, but insists he's not about to let Pogacar out of his sights.
"I feel good, I feel ready, I'm where I want to be," the 26-year-old said ahead of the Grand Depart in Bilbao.
"I expect (Pogacar) to attack right from Stage 1, just like he did last year, and I'll be there to follow him. As champion, you could say I'm the hunted man, but believe me I'll be hunting too."
Last five Tour de France winners
2022 - Jonas Vingegaard (DEN)
2021 - Tadej Pogacar (SLO)
2020 - Tadej Pogacar (SLO)
2019 - Egan Bernal (COL)
2018 - Geraint Thomas (GBR)
Bet on cycling with Betway online sports betting
With the latest cycling odds and the most up-to-date markets, online cycling betting has never been so easy. Bet with the best, bet with Betway.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.