Jonas Vingegaard, the 29-year-old Danish cyclist from Visma-Lease a Bike, retained the pink jersey during the rest day on Monday, May 25, 2026, as the Giro d'Italia enters its decisive final week.
Vingegaard secured his overall lead after winning the first major mountain stage on Saturday.
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He addressed reporters in an online press conference to discuss his standing and long-term goals.
"It is a special race and so far a great experience," said Vingegaard.
The race leader noted that his physical condition has stabilized after a temporary illness earlier in the competition.
He stated that stages 9 and 10 were the most affected, but since then he has not felt any impact.
Balancing Giro and Tour de France
Vingegaard acknowledged that his strategic planning accounts for the upcoming Tour de France in July. "Of course I think long-term about the Tour de France," he said.
He explained that multiple Grand Tours in a single season historically benefit his performance.
"We saw that my level became higher in the second Grand Tour of the season, and we hope that again for the Tour.
I think the Giro can help me for the Tour."
To maintain condition for later competitions, Vingegaard intends to manage his energy across the remaining mountain stages.
"That's why I don't want to go full gas every stage now.
The third week is by far the hardest in this Giro, and I want to do justice to this race."
