With help from Andy Schleck: how Kragh Andersen had to prepare in an unusual way for his delayed Lidl-Trek debut (and Giro?)

Kragh Andersen was unveiled by Lidl-Trek during last year’s transfer window as “extra Danish firepower” for the team’s already stacked classics squad. “It’s been one of the superteams for years now, and I’m really happy to join the best Danish riders of this generation,” he said, referring to Mads Pedersen and Mattias Skjelmose. Kragh Andersen raced alongside Pedersen in their junior days, often in races across the Netherlands. “Mads is a year younger, so eventually we went our separate ways. But it’s great to be on the same team again.”

It became clear as early as January that Søren Kragh Andersen’s debut for Lidl-Trek would be postponed. The Dane had been struggling with ongoing saddle pain, which was eventually traced back to a benign tumor. Just ahead of Opening Weekend, both rider and team confirmed the news. “It is a big disappointment not to be there for the team in such a crucial part of the season,” Kragh Andersen said at the time, “but sorting out the medical issue had to take priority.”

The tumor was successfully removed through surgery, but given its location in the saddle area, it was obvious that it would take time before Kragh Andersen could get back on a real bike. “Five to six weeks,” he estimated when speaking at the start of Eschborn-Frankfurt. Sitting still was not really an option either, considering the nature of the injury.

Based in Luxembourg, Kragh Andersen kept himself active by heading to the nearby Moselle river. He took up paddleboarding, went swimming, ran regularly and even put in long rides on a bike without a saddle. He mixed in various other forms of training as well. That kind of variety builds resilience. He also got help from former Trek rider Andy Schleck, who in recent years has embraced crossfit. “He was kind of like a personal coach for me,” Kragh Andersen said.

While Kragh Andersen was grinding away in training, his teammates were enjoying a strong spring campaign. “That actually motivated me even more, even though it hurt not to be there with them,” he said. By the time Eschborn-Frankfurt came around, he had managed to put in a solid month of training following his alternative workouts. “I really have to thank the team for the support they gave me. It was a tough start, but that just makes you want to give something back,” he said, pointing to the Lidl logo on his chest.

Naturally, there were still a few question marks at the start in Eschborn-Frankfurt. “I am very curious how the legs will respond, especially after such an unusual build-up with all those other sports.” His performance also carries extra weight, since he is on Lidl-Trek’s provisional start list for the Giro. “But that decision will only be made once we see how I feel today. I definitely still lack some race intensity after being out for so long, so the main goal is to help the team and grow into the race.”

In the end, Kragh Andersen crossed the line in 52nd place at Eschborn-Frankfurt, wearing a big smile. “To be honest, I’m happy. Really happy. I felt better than I could have hoped for,” he said. “The only regret is that we might have made a mistake by not closing the gap after the second ascent of the Feldberg, when Thibau Nys and Andrea Bagioli got away. That was a shame, but I truly enjoyed being back in the race.”

His thoughts echoed those of team leader Nys. “Albert Withen Philipsen was up there, but we weren’t far off either. That moment of hesitation probably cost us. The guys in front didn’t hesitate, and we did. But the legs were good and the sensations were there,” the ever-likeable Scandinavian concluded. Giro? “I’m hoping for a phone call,” he said with a grin, wrapping up his first race day in seven months.