Jonas Vingegaard’s Wild Giro Climbing Numbers Put Pogačar on Notice Ahead of Tour de France

Jonas Vingegaard’s Wild Giro Climbing Numbers Put Pogačar on Notice Ahead of Tour de France

May 27, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

Jonas Vingegaard has delivered a commanding performance at the Giro d’Italia, culminating in a dominant victory on stage 16. The 29-year-old climber showcased elite power on the Swiss climb of Carì, signaling a significant surge in form.

The Numbers Behind the Ascent

According to data expert Na1chaca, Vingegaard secured his stage 16 win with a climbing attack of 6.77w/kg maintained over 30 minutes. For the ~58kg rider, this translates to approximately 395 watts for half an hour.

The Numbers Behind the Ascent
Visma-Lease Bike Giro

This performance marks a clear trajectory of improvement. On stage 7 at Blockhaus, Na1chaca estimated Vingegaard hit 6.35w/kg for 37 minutes during a victory described as unconvincing.

Did You Know? Vingegaard has won all four of the Giro d’Italia’s summit finishes so far.

A Return to Peak Form

Vingegaard has expressed that he may be the best he has ever been, even surpassing his levels prior to a devastating crash in April 2024. He noted that the Itzulia crash set him back more than initially anticipated.

The Dane explained that it took nearly two years to return to his previous level. He believes he was on a strong upward curve before the accident and is now potentially better than ever.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Vingegaard’s strategy relies on the philosophy that his performance improves the more he races. By using the Giro as a high-intensity foundation, he is attempting to build a physiological peak that could challenge the current benchmarks set by his rivals.

The Road to the Tour de France

With a four-minute lead in the general classification and a seemingly impenetrable Visma-Lease a Bike team, Vingegaard is positioned for victory in Rome. However, the focus is already shifting toward the Tour de France.

Giro d'Italia 2026 – Stage 16 Highlights – A fourth victory for Jonas Vingegaard ?

Vingegaard is now approaching the numerical levels of Tadej Pogačar. Pogačar previously recorded a 7.0w/kg attack over 39 minutes on the Plateau de Beille during the 2024 Tour de France.

The Giro-Tour Double Strategy

Vingegaard’s decision to use the Giro d’Italia as a “warm-up” for the Tour de France was initially met with skepticism. This audacious attempt is based on his ability to maintain high power levels across multiple races.

Vingegaard previously demonstrated this capacity last summer, replicating his Tour numbers to win the Vuelta a España. He believes he has taken a step forward during this Giro.

If his preparation remains on track during the six weeks before the start in Barcelona, it could lead to a highly competitive battle in July. Vingegaard may seek to avoid the slight increase in bodyweight he experienced in previous Tour-Vuelta attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Jonas Vingegaard’s climbing numbers on stage 16? He recorded a 30-minute climbing attack of 6.77w/kg, which is roughly 395 watts for a rider of his weight. How does Vingegaard’s current form compare to Tadej Pogačar? Vingegaard is closing in on Pogačar’s marks, though Pogačar famously achieved 7.0w/kg for 39 minutes on the Plateau de Beille in 2024. What is the purpose of Vingegaard racing the Giro d’Italia this year? He is using the race as a “warm-up” and training camp to evolve his performance ahead of the Tour de France. Do you believe a Giro-Tour double is the most effective way to prepare for a Grand Tour victory?

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