LATEST: “Vingegaard really disappointed me today,” said Victor Campenaerts. After stage 17, he explained that the team had worked all day for the stage win, only for Vingegaard to let Pellizzari slip away too easily. “Look at what Mads Pedersen did,” he added, “chasing every move because he was the main favourite and didn’t want to let his team down.” Jonas Vingegaard then broke his silence, replying to his teammate with seven words that left Campenaerts speechless.
The Vuelta a España turned tense after an unexpected clash of opinions within one of cycling’s strongest squads. Victor Campenaerts, known for his candor, expressed visible frustration following Stage 17, saying that the collective effort of the team had been wasted when Jonas Vingegaard hesitated in responding to Pellizzari’s decisive attack. According to Campenaerts, every rider had contributed to setting up a winning move, only to see the opportunity vanish in the final kilometers. His comparison to Mads Pedersen’s aggressive chase highlighted what he viewed as a lack of commitment from the Danish star.
Stage 17 was a brutal contest across mountainous terrain, with breakaways forming and dissolving as the peloton fought harsh gradients and unpredictable winds. Pellizzari’s perfectly timed surge inside the last ascent caught many off guard, but Campenaerts believed it was Vingegaard’s responsibility to close the gap. “We had control all day,” Campenaerts told reporters. “The guys buried themselves to make sure Jonas was in position. When Pellizzari went, we expected him to react immediately. Instead, we watched him drift away.”
The comments quickly spread on social media, prompting speculation about a rift inside the team. Analysts debated whether Campenaerts’ remarks reflected a deeper tension or were simply born of post-race disappointment. Some pointed out that Vingegaard has been candid about fatigue in recent days, hinting that his physical limits might explain his conservative tactics. Others argued that such public criticism risked undermining morale when unity is vital in the final stages of a grand tour.
Vingegaard, usually reserved when confronted with controversy, eventually addressed the matter with a brief but pointed response. In a calm tone, he delivered seven words that reporters present described as both firm and dignified: “I did what my body allowed today.” Those words resonated strongly, underscoring the invisible line between expectation and reality at the highest level of professional sport. They also served as a reminder that grand tours are battles of endurance as much as strategy, and even champions face days when their limits assert themselves.
Campenaerts, taken aback by the remark, reportedly paused before offering a quiet nod. Teammates later suggested that the exchange might ultimately strengthen their resolve, as clear communication is essential in high-pressure racing. “We all want the same thing — to win,” one rider said. “But sometimes emotions run high, and we have to respect each other’s efforts.”
As the Vuelta heads into its decisive final stages, all eyes will be on how the team rallies after this candid moment. Vingegaard remains a key contender for overall honors, but the balance between personal ambition, physical capability, and teamwork will be crucial. Whether Campenaerts’ outburst becomes a catalyst for unity or lingering tension will depend on how they handle the challenges that lie ahead on Spain’s unforgiving roads.
