Pedersen's start to the second week of the Vuelta is less than ideal: 'The most important thing is the World Championships'

It hasn't been Mads Pedersen's Vuelta a España yet. The Danish rider from Lidl-Trek was among the biggest names in the race at the start in Monaco, but he hasn’t secured his coveted stage victory yet. There were a few times when he really didn’t perform well, but there seems to be a reason behind it, as he explains in his podcast, Lang Distance.

Pedersen was fresh off a fantastic Tour de France, where he won a stage, took home the green jersey, and was one of the most combative riders. Afterward, he boldly announced that he would also be competing in the Vuelta a España. There, the Dane had already won four stages and the green jersey, and this time his main focus was on winning more stages.

The first stage was a great opportunity for the powerful sprinter, but he was completely outclassed by Matthew Brennan. Pedersen himself finished fourth, and in other races, such as the stage to Terres de l'Ebre, things went completely wrong. There, he fell behind early and ended up in the last bus. It just didn't seem to be working out at all.

Fortunately, his legs were feeling better and better. Ahead of the eighth stage, he said he was feeling more hopeful. “There’s more power in my pedal stroke; it feels better. My ‘diesel engine’ is picking up steam.” That became clear that very day. At the finish in Xeraco, Pedersen was very close to a victory, but he ended up finishing second behind Bryan Coquard. So that stage win has eluded him so far.

It turns out there’s a reason for that. In his podcast, Pedersen says he’s feeling a little under the weather. “I’m doing okay. It’s a bit up and down, to be honest. I’ve got a bit of a sore throat, if you can call it that. I might have used a little more Otrivin (nasal spray, ed.) than recommended to keep my nose clear,” he laughs.

Pedersen does know, however, that he isn't too sick to keep going. “All in all, it’s fine. It is what it is. I’m getting back on track. I’m not running at full speed yet, but I’ll get there.” Besides, the Vuelta isn’t his main goal: like Wout van Aert, among others, that’s set for late September. “The most important thing is that I’ll be ready for the World Championships in a month,” concludes the 2019 World Champion from Harrogate.