The hopes for a record-breaking fourth victory at the Tour of Flanders have been dashed for Mads Pedersen. The Lidl-Trek rider, a three-time winner of the prestigious Belgian race, will not start Sunday’s 241-kilometer classic due to a cold, his team announced Saturday. The news is a significant blow to Pedersen’s spring campaign and to his chances of etching his name further into the history of one of cycling’s most iconic events.
Pedersen’s absence throws open the field, with riders like E3 Saxo Classic winner Mathieu van der Poel, Arnaud De Lie, and Wout van Aert now firmly in the spotlight as top contenders. Lidl-Trek will now pivot its focus to supporting Jonathan Milan, who finished third in last year’s race, in an attempt to secure a strong result despite the loss of their key leader. The team will require to quickly adjust its strategy and rally around Milan to capitalize on the opportunity.
This setback comes at a particularly challenging time for the 31-year-aged Dane. Just a week ago, Pedersen demonstrated impressive form with a fourth-place finish at Milan-San Remo, a remarkable recovery after a tricky start to the season. Tadej Pogačar ultimately took the victory in Milan, but Pedersen’s performance signaled a return to top form after a significant injury.
That injury, a broken collarbone and wrist sustained in a crash during the opening stage of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana earlier this year, forced Pedersen to undergo surgery and sidelined him for a considerable period. Cyclingnews reported on the severity of the injury, which initially cast doubt on his ability to compete in the Spring Classics.
A Challenging Road to Recovery
His ninth-place finish at the E3 Saxo Classic, although respectable, hinted at the lingering effects of the injury and the demanding schedule of the Classics season. While he had secured a runner-up spot in the same race the previous year, his performance this time around suggested he wasn’t quite at his peak. The combination of the physical toll of recovery and the onset of illness has now proven too much to overcome for this Sunday’s race.
Pedersen’s previous victories at the Tour of Flanders came in 2020, 2024, and 2025, establishing him as one of the dominant forces in the race’s recent history. His aggressive riding style and tactical acumen have made him a formidable opponent, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by his rivals. He is one of only seven riders to have achieved a hat-trick of wins in the Belgian Classic, a testament to his consistency and skill.
Lidl-Trek Shifts Focus to Milan
With Pedersen sidelined, Lidl-Trek will turn to Jonathan Milan to lead their charge. The Italian rider has shown promise in recent races, including his third-place finish at the 2025 Tour of Flanders. The team will need to provide Milan with the support he needs to contend for the victory, a task that will require a coordinated effort and a well-executed race strategy.
Pedersen himself expressed his disappointment at having to withdraw from the race, but remained optimistic about his recovery. “The decision was taken not to race and keep the focus on the coming week, this has nothing to do with the [broken] wrist,” he shared in an Instagram post. “That’s definitely moving forward, better than we expected. The muscles in and around the wrist is sore, of course, due to the lack of movement for four-five weeks, but that’s completely normal. So no worries about the wrist, it’s all due to sickness.”
Looking Ahead
Pedersen expressed his support for his teammates, particularly Jonathan Milan, hoping he can seize the opportunity on Sunday. “Wish the boys all the best for Sunday and hope that Johnny can take the victory with number 1 on his back,” he wrote. The team will undoubtedly be motivated to perform well in Pedersen’s absence, and Milan will be eager to prove his capabilities as a leader.
The Tour of Flanders remains a challenging and unpredictable race, and the absence of a key contender like Pedersen will undoubtedly add to the intrigue. The race is known for its grueling climbs, cobblestone sections, and tactical battles, and this year’s edition promises to be no exception. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as the remaining contenders vie for the coveted title.
The next major objective for Pedersen will likely be a full recovery and preparation for the Paris-Roubaix, where he finished third in 2023. Cyclingnews covered his reflections on that race, highlighting his ambition to return stronger in future editions. He will be hoping to regain his form and contend for another victory in the coming weeks.
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