It’s been a busy week for Jonas Vingegaard: on Sunday he triumphantly crossed the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the next day he turned Boxmeer upside down and won the Pro round there. This morning the two-time Tour winner visited a party at clothing supplier AGU in Alkmaar. “We are very happy that you are here”, says AGU founder Pascal Vergeer proudly.
It is a mandatory number for the brand new tour winner, but the Dane seemed to be having a good time, media partner notes Alkmaar Central. The party for Jonas Vingegaard, his family and the employees plus supporters was beautifully decorated but also tightly programmed: then the winner of the Tour de France had to continue.
With, among other things, a golden yellow carpet and yellow smoke flares – which may have had more effect than intended – Vingegaard was welcomed as a great hero. Somewhat timidly laughing, he was once again received with loud applause inside on a stage.
Dream
“This year you made another dream come true by winning the Tour de France again. It was very special to see you on the time trial,” said Pascal Vergeer. “It was incredible. We thought it would be a day with maybe a few seconds, but you made a difference of minutes. You outclassed everyone.”
You would expect Vingegaard to be reasonably cooked, but that was not too bad. “I feel good, a bit tired after yesterday’s criterium. It was a bit late, but I’m happy to be here. It’s a pleasure to see everyone from AGU and to see what it’s like here.”
Humorously, the Tour winner was criticized that he was rarely seen in clothing from sponsor AGU. “I would have liked to have ridden in AGU shirts, especially in the time trial because then I would have been even faster.” Cheering from all employees follows. “But yes, if you are the leader then you just have to wear the yellow shirt, unfortunately.”
“If I hadn’t won this year I would still have been happy with last year. To do it again is hard to comprehend.” Vingegaard will try again next year, but the Vuelta is still on the program for this year. He confessed that he was once very nervous before important matches and that it got in his way.
Self confidence
Vingegaard decided to distract herself until the time came, and that helped. Gradually he started to perform better and that always resulted in more self-confidence. Having confidence in yourself is therefore what he would impress on his young self. He had the same encouragement for the youth in the hall. After the questions and answers, Vingegaard received some gifts, and in turn gave him a yellow jersey.
Mayor Anja Schouten was also present. She said with some pleasure that she and her family are sports enthusiasts and that they were very jealous of her. She also came with gifts: a whole AlkmaarsGoud cheese on a cheese board and a Waagtoren figurine. After the whole event was over, she proudly showed off her autographed yellow jersey.