Jakob Fuglsang is taking on this year’s Tour of Denmark with
more than just a race on his mind, the 40-year-old will retire at the end of
this year’s PostNord Danmark Rundt. For Danish cycling fans, the week marks a
bittersweet moment: while many celebrated Mads Pedersen’s victory on stage one,
they were also starting to bid farewell to one of the country’s most
accomplished riders. Fuglsang’s career includes victories at
Liège–Bastogne–Liège and the Giro di Lombardia, as well as a silver medal from
the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Teammates and rivals alike have been keen to pay tribute.
“It’s a huge honor to be allowed to ride the last lap with him. He should get
all the attention he can possibly get. You shouldn’t be talking to me. You
should spend your time with him,” Anders Foldager told Feltet.
For Foldager, the moment carries extra meaning. “I haven’t
ridden with Jakob before, but he’s always someone I’ve looked up to. He’s
someone I’ve followed over the years. He’s also fairly local, compared to where
I’m from.”
National coach Michael Mørkøv echoed the admiration. “It’s a
great story, after he has represented Denmark for so many years, especially
with Olympic silver in Rio, to end up on the Danish national team, and even in
his childhood town of Silkeborg.”
Mørkøv, who shares a long history with Fuglsang, reflected
on their beginnings. “We started together as professionals at Saxo Bank in
2009. I myself experienced being praised throughout the country when I rode
here after winning the Olympics. That’s why I told Jakob that he should try it
too. So I’m sure he’ll get a big shoutout.”