‘Something is clearly not as it should be’ – Mads Pedersen weighs up Vuelta a España exit amid World Championships form fears

Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) has revealed he is weighing up his continued participation in the Vuelta a España amid a lack of form that is causing concerns ahead of the World Championships.

The Danish rider won the Worlds in 2019 but is so far off his usual sparkling best at this Vuelta that he questioned whether he’s even good enough at this moment in time to take one of his country’s eight spots for the road race in Montréal on September 27.

Pedersen made repeated references to the World Championships, which take place in Montréal in just over three weeks’ time. Pedersen has played down his chances of a second world title, but the possible absence of Tadej Pogačar could yet open up the race, with sprinters who can survive hilly courses not entirely counted out.

While seeming to open the door to the idea of an early exit from the Vuelta, Pedersen went on to indicate that his preference would be to continue all the way to the final stage in Granada a week on Sunday.

“There’s still a long way to Granada and I still believe this is good preparation for the World Championships, even if right now it looks as if we have some stronger contenders to take my spot,” he said on a day when Magnus Cort – who has voiced his frustration at missing out on Denmark’s squad – finished second.

“But I believe staying here and keeping riding will be the best thing to do for the World Championships,” Pedersen added.

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