Fast-recovering Pedersen must tackle the spring without a key domestique

That is, of course, a major disappointment for the Latvian national champion, who has repeatedly built his seasons around the Spring Classics. In 2024, for example, he finished second at Strade Bianche behind the untouchable Tadej Pogacar, while last year he also placed 11th at the E3 Saxo Classic.

This year, however, he will not line up in the Classics — something that, remarkably, has almost never happened to him before. “For the first time in 10+ years I won’t be doing any spring classics,” Skujins wrote on X. “Definitely gutted, but also quite impressed that I have made such a long stint in our sport where crashes and sickness are always part of the game.” The signs had already been there, as his most recent results were far from encouraging.

During Opening Weekend, Skujins finished 36th in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and 59th a day later in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, but things then went sharply downhill at Paris-Nice. The Latvian champion did not start stage 5 of that race, and it has now become clear that he has not recovered in time to save his spring.

Skujins did not spell out the full reason behind his absence in his social media message, but the photos he shared strongly suggested that his condition was far from ideal. He also explained that Paris-Nice hit him hard. “Got proper sick at Paris-Nice and haven’t ridden much since coming back home early. Will definitely try to make the most of it, recover and get the body ready for the rest of the year. Still many goals out there this season.” On the bright side, Skujins added with typical perspective, he will at least get the chance to watch more bike racing on television than in previous years and cheer on Lidl-Trek from home.

At 34, this is the first time Skujins will be forced to sit out the spring campaign. For Lidl-Trek, it is another significant blow just as Pedersen has fought his way back into contention in remarkable fashion.