Denmark Jonas Vingegaard told himself stronger than ever on Friday, because he was preparing to challenge the ruling champions Tadej Pogacar for tour of the de France title when 112. The release begins in Lille on Saturday.

Triple Tour Champion, which requested 2022. and 2023. year, aim to regain crown from Slovenia Pogacar.

“I think I can surely say that I am stronger than ever”, ” Phenomenal He said at a press conference on Friday. “Last year I was at a very high level in the de France tour, but it was in a different way.

“I’m Janni now than I was last year, but it’s a muscle and we know that it gives much more power. So I can say I’m at the highest level I’ve ever been.”

The 28-year-old rider ended in second place last year’s release, with more than six minutes behind the cake, but his preparation for this edition was interfered with serious injuries a few months ago.

“There is a really big difference compared to last year. I came back from a terrible collision and to be honest, I needed to be longer than I actually thought I was really coming back,” Vingegaard said. “It’s almost a year actually to get back the same as before my collision.”

Rivalry between Vingegaard and Pogaciaras, who were both sought by the last five editions of the tour, was set up after the Slovenian Protected Victory over the Day in the last month of Dauphine criteria, by completing 59 seconds in advance.

“Having a rival that is so good as that Tadej comes out the best in you. And you know that you have to train hard every day to try to compete with him,” Wingegaard said.

“It makes me even better. I have a lot of admiration for Tade. He is a very good guy and a very good bike. I really have just good words about him.”

Vingegaard will support a strong vismy-the otels that contain the winner of Giro d’Italia Simon Yates2023 Back to Spanish Champion Sepp kissDouble Parisian Winner Matteo Jorgson and versatile WOUT VAN EART.

“It’s a dream team in the climbs. I think we have the strongest teams,” Vingegaard said.