Shocking Revelation at La Vuelta 2025: Michael Rasmussen bluntly exposed the bitter truth behind the glory of climbers after watching Jonas Vingegaard on stage 13 — “If you’ve raced for more than 10 years, your chance of breaking a collarbone is 25%… But that is nothing compared to the lifelong risk of depression that every cyclist has to face.” His bombshell remarks instantly ignited a fierce debate in the cycling world over pressure, injuries, and the mental health struggles haunting riders…
Stage 13 of the Vuelta a España 2025 was already dramatic, with Jonas Vingegaard showing once again why he is considered one of the strongest climbers in the peloton. Yet the post-race discussion shifted away from the battle on the slopes and toward an unexpected controversy sparked by former Danish cyclist Michael Rasmussen. Known for his candid and often provocative comments, Rasmussen delivered a statement that shook the cycling community far beyond the day’s results.
In an interview shortly after Vingegaard crossed the finish line, Rasmussen bluntly highlighted the dangers of professional cycling. “If you’ve raced for more than 10 years, your chance of breaking a collarbone is 25%. But that is nothing compared to the lifelong risk of depression that every cyclist has to face,” he said. His words, delivered with an air of hard-earned experience, immediately went viral, igniting heated debates on television, in cycling forums, and across social media platforms.
Cycling has always been celebrated for its grit, endurance, and the almost superhuman ability of riders to conquer mountains and time trials. But Rasmussen’s remarks ripped away the veil of glory to reveal the dark underside of the sport: the mental and emotional toll endured by those who dedicate their lives to it. While the statistics on broken bones and injuries are well-documented, his reference to depression struck a nerve, drawing attention to an issue that is often minimized or ignored in the cycling world.
Fans were quick to react. Some praised Rasmussen for his honesty, calling his comments a necessary wake-up call about the hidden struggles athletes face. Others criticized him for what they saw as exaggeration or for casting a shadow over the achievements of riders like Vingegaard, who had just delivered another impressive performance in Spain. The debate was further fueled by sports psychologists and former professionals who weighed in, many of whom confirmed that mental health challenges are indeed a serious problem in the peloton.
Riders are often under relentless pressure: expectations from teams, sponsors, and national pride, coupled with grueling physical demands and frequent injuries. The constant travel, isolation, and narrow focus on performance can lead to feelings of burnout and vulnerability. Rasmussen’s words, though blunt, resonated with those who have lived through such struggles.
For Vingegaard himself, the spotlight remains on his quest to win the Vuelta. Yet Rasmussen’s intervention has added a new layer of narrative to the race, one that extends beyond tactics and time gaps. It has sparked broader questions about how the cycling world addresses the well-being of its athletes and whether enough is being done to protect them not just physically, but mentally.
As La Vuelta continues, the echoes of Rasmussen’s statement linger. The cycling world may celebrate the bravery of climbers scaling impossible peaks, but the revelation reminds us that the toughest battles riders face may not always be on the road, but within themselves.
