Team Visma - Lease a bike team's Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard awaits the start of the 13th stage of the 112th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, 10.9 km individual time trial between Loudenvielle and Peyragudes, in the Pyrenees mountains of southwestern France, on July 18, 2025. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Visma-Lease a Bike remains resolute in its pursuit of success at the Tour de France, despite challenges faced in stages 12 and 13 where Jonas Vingegaard lost time to rival Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates. While Vingegaard now trails Pogacar by over four minutes, the team is not ready to relinquish hope. Instead, they are focusing on the remaining eight stages, intent on keeping their competitive spirit alive.
The recent time trials saw Vingegaard conceding an additional 36 seconds, leading many to see a Pogacar victory as increasingly probable. Nevertheless, the Visma team, including long-standing domestique Sepp Kuss, emphasizes maintaining a positive outlook. “You have to be positive, otherwise we wouldn’t even start the Tour after the Dauphiné, you know?” Kuss remarked. His comments highlight the team’s commitment to resilience amidst the odds they face.
Despite acknowledging Pogacar’s current dominance, the team remains realistic about their chances. Kuss stated, “It’s definitely a big deficit, and on paper you could say it’s over, but it’s bike racing; anything can happen.” This sentiment reflects a broader understanding within the team that unexpected events can still reshape the race dynamics. Kuss pointed out instances in the past, such as Pogacar’s crash after a rest day, demonstrating that fortunes can change rapidly in competitive cycling.
Strategic Adjustments and Team Dynamics
The Visma team has faced criticism regarding their tactics, particularly on challenging stages where they have attempted to isolate Pogacar. Critics argue that their strategies have sometimes inadvertently aided their rival by eliminating other competitors. Kuss defended their approach, explaining, “I think yesterday we rode a pace that was the pace that we wanted to dictate. The idea was to isolate Pogacar already on the Soulor.” He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adjust their strategies as needed during the race.
Teammate Matteo Jorgenson echoed Kuss’s perspective, expressing pride in their performance thus far. “We’re doing our best in the race, and I’m really proud of how we’ve raced so far. There’s nothing you can do if you give your best and keep fighting every day,” he stated. This collaborative spirit and determination to push forward are vital as they navigate the remainder of the Tour.
Jorgenson’s performance has also seen a notable turnaround. After struggling in stage 12, he rebounded to secure sixth place in stage 13. “I wanted to test myself and get myself back in the fight after yesterday,” Jorgenson explained. His determination highlights the mental resilience that is crucial in high-stakes competitions like the Tour de France.
Looking Ahead: Key Stages and Team Morale
As the Tour progresses, Visma-Lease a Bike recognizes the significance of the stages yet to come. The team understands that challenges remain, but they are committed to focusing on what they can control and seizing opportunities as they arise. Kuss remarked on the importance of maintaining morale, stating, “We have a good time together at the dinner table, the vibe is good, and we know from experience that there’s still a lot of key moments and stages coming.”
With multiple challenging stages ahead, the team’s approach combines realism with an unwavering belief in their potential. Despite the daunting task of overcoming Pogacar’s lead, Visma-Lease a Bike is determined to fight for every position, illustrating the unpredictable nature of cycling and the spirit of competition.
As the race continues, the dynamics between these top riders will keep fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing the essence of the Tour de France. The team’s mix of strategy, resilience, and camaraderie will be crucial as they aim to make their mark in this prestigious cycling event.
