Enough big hitters to make things difficult for Pogačar: This is the Danish World Championship squad

The World Cycling Championships in Canada are still about a month away, but the Danes have already announced their team. Led by national coaches Michael Mørkøv and Mette Andersen, they are heading there with “medal ambitions,” and the strong lineup certainly backs that up.

"The Danish riders will be competing for medals at the World Championships in both the road race and the time trial," a statement reads right at the start. On the men’s side, Mads Pedersen and Mattias Skjelmose are the team leaders. They will be strongly supported in the road race by Kasper Asgreen, Mikkel Bjerg, Andreas Kron, Michael Valgren, Mikkel Honoré, and Søren Kragh Andersen.

For Bjerg and Asgreen, there’s another important day to note: they’ll also be competing in the individual time trial. National team coach Mørkøv is certainly looking forward to it: “I really enjoyed being able to choose from a large number of our best riders. This made the selection difficult, and unfortunately, a number of qualified riders will have to stay home.”

"With Mattias and Mads as our leaders, I expect us to contend for the world title. Mikkel and Kasper have been among the world's best time trialists for years, and both have the potential to compete for medals," said the national team coach, who is also a former professional cyclist.

In the women’s individual time trial and the road race, Denmark is counting on Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig and Solbjørk Minke Anderson. National team coach Andersen explains: “First of all, I’m very happy that we’re able to send riders to the World Championships in all three women’s categories.”

"The selection reflects both the challenging task that lies ahead for us at the World Championships in Canada and the long-term vision for Danish women's cycling. In the elite road race, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig and Solbjørk Minke Anderson will represent Denmark. Both riders have achieved impressive results recently, and although we’re sending only two riders, we have a strong duo that I’m confident will be there when it counts,” said Andersen.

Kasper Asgreen (also time trial)

Mikkel Bjerg (including the time trial)

Mads Pedersen

Mattias Skjelmose

Andreas Kron

Michaël Valgren

Mikkel Honoré

Søren Kragh Andersen