Jonas Vingegaard's performance at the Giro d'Italia has been nothing short of remarkable, and former Grand Tour participant turned commentator Brian Holm believes the Dane is turning back the clock with his calculated and measured approach. Holm, who raced his first Grand Tour in 1987, argues that Vingegaard's strategy is reminiscent of the 1980s stage racing contenders, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and avoiding unnecessary excitement. This calculated approach, Holm suggests, will likely net Vingegaard the overall victory without burning him out excessively, which is a smart strategy given his objectives in July.
Vingegaard's closest rival, Felix Gall, is expected to lose a lot of time in the time trial, while Jai Hindley is in third, 2:08 adrift. Holm points out that the calculated, measured approach is what will likely net the Dane the overall victory without burning himself out excessively, and that, given his objectives in July, that is hardly a bad strategy.
However, Holm also acknowledges that Vingegaard's strategy of keeping away from the front is not without risks, as it meant in the early days that the team car was well back in the race director's convoy. But he's come through those potential sticking points without any problems, and he is now reaping the benefits.
Despite the fact that not everything is going Vingegaard's way, as he has lost Wilco Kelderman, a former Giro podium finisher and excellent climbing support rider, to injury, Holm believes that others will step up when they can. He highlights Davide Piganzoli's impressive performance on the Blockhaus and on Sunday's summit finish, suggesting that the team will survive the loss.
As for Tuesday's time trial, Holm believes that Vingegaard won't have any team support, but he should still gain several minutes on his rivals. He argues that if Vingegaard didn't beat Gall or Hindley, it would make the race more exciting, but logically, he should gain several minutes on them.
In conclusion, Holm believes that Vingegaard is going to win the Giro d'Italia, and he challenges anyone to come forward and challenge him. He emphasizes the importance of staying calm and avoiding unnecessary excitement, and he suggests that Vingegaard's calculated approach is a smart strategy that will likely net him the overall victory.
