Mads Pedersen taken to hospital after crash forces early abandon at Tour of Valencia

'This is not how anyone wants to see Pedersen start his 2026 season,' Lidl-Trek announced via X.! A crash heading into the key point of #VCV2026 stage 1 saw Mads forced to abandon the race. We will provide another update when we know more! ❤️‍” Lidl-Trek also confirmed the Dane was taken to hospital for further checks.

Bauke Mollema, who is set to retire after this season, reacted on Instagram. “One of those days I won’t miss when I’m done. A fresh and nervous peloton, and then a big high-speed crash just before the final climb — with Pedersen involved. Get well soon, boys.” (‘Eén van die dagen die ik niet ga missen wanneer ik gestopt ben. Een fris en nerveus peloton en dan een grote valpartij aan hoge snelheid, net voor de laatste klim, met Pedersen erbij. Herstel goed, jongens.’)

More messages of support followed from within the team. Steven de Jongh wrote on Instagram: “Terrible to see Pedersen crash out. Get well soon, Mads.” (‘Verschrikkelijk om Pedersen uit te zien vallen. Goed herstel, Mads.’) Tao Geoghegan Hart added: “Awful for you, Mads. Get well soon, boss.” (‘Vreselijk voor je, Mads. Herstel snel, baas.’)