This is how Lidl-Trek views Mads Pedersen's announced cycling retirement: 'It actually motivates him'

With all the attention focused on the Tour de France, it went a bit under the radar, but Mads Pedersen confirmed on Danish television that his cycling career will come to an end in just over three years. It’s quite a shock, even though the star will be 33 years old by then. How does Lidl-Trek view this decision? IDL Pro Cycling asked team manager Kim Andersen, who had a great story to share.

First, let’s get the facts straight. On Danish TV, Pedersen said that his career will come to an end in late 2029. By then, the Lidl-Trek rider will be 33 years old, and there’s a clear reason for choosing that point in his career: the World Championships in Copenhagen.

"For me, it's a special place to wrap up our careers," Pedersen said. But he also added: “People shouldn’t think that I’ve already made my retirement plans and know what I’m going to do next. I’m still in a bubble where everything revolves around the green jersey and that darn Monument that I miss.”

The reasons were clear. Two of them. One: “It takes a toll on the body.” Two: “I have a wife at home, too, and at some point we want to start a family. We’re now reaching an age where that’s going to happen,” said Pedersen, who has seen teammates struggle with their family lives throughout his career. The Dane wants to avoid that.

With that in mind, IDL Pro Cycling headed over to the German-American team’s bus on Thursday after the twelfth stage of the Tour de France, during which Lidl-Trek put on a strong showing in the final stretch. We spoke with team manager Andersen there. “Of course I knew that,” the Dane replied with a smile when we asked him if he was already aware of it.

"I think that's really impressive," Andersen continued. "He’s going full throttle until then. He started when he was very young. I don’t think many riders will continue past age 33. I know it actually motivates him—both for his personal goals and to finish at the highest level."

Because, as the Dane also knows: “Of course, he could keep going longer, but he has this goal, and I really love that. I think it’s truly top-notch.” The friendly team manager also shares an anecdote. “Many, many years ago, Hinault said, ‘I’ll retire on that day.’ That was at the very highest level. I really love that.”

"He really wants to quit then," Andersen repeated. "Even if he wins, he'll quit then," he confirmed, still wearing that same big smile.