Mads Pedersen claims 2nd overall, wins points jersey in Denmark

Mads Pedersen was posed to finish on the overall podium coming into the final day in 3rd place, but wanted more and set out to win the Stage 5 time trial.

After a maximum effort from the former world champion, he fell six seconds short of victory in the 10.8-kilometer test. However, it was more than enough to move into second overall and cement the green points jersey and put a big smile on his face.

“I couldn’t do one second faster, I think,” said Pedersen. “I did everything. Six seconds is not a lot, but it is on a tt course like this. I am quite happy with my tt and happy that I could do a good one again.”

Pedersen has struggled to find his top form this year, and the Tour of Denmark was perfect timing for the 25-year-old Dane after his suffering through three weeks in France paid off in his home country’s race.

“Really, really nice race from the whole team. It was nice to be in the mix of winning again, and  racing in the finales,” added Mads.  “A good and strong week for the whole team. I am really proud of the boys and the work they did every day.”

Honorable mention goes to 20-year-old Mattias Skjelmose, who, better known for his strength in climbing, had a great time trial, finishing in 7^th place. Mattias also finished second in the Young Rider classification behind Remco Evenepoel, winner of the overall and final day’s time trial.

“Finally I can confirm that I can do a good TT,” said Mattias. “I have been struggling all year so to finally be back up there, is so satisfying. The TT couldn’t have been much worse: short and techincal with a lot of accelerations. The technical part is okay but the accelerations… not a good tt for me. In the end, I did a pretty good job and that looks good for the future.

“I am over the moon of how I performed this week. I couldn’t expect this at all when I started the season. I have been doing well in the GC in the stage races this year – I cannot repay the team enough for all the trust they gave me and I want to continue showing them that it’s worth putting trust in me.”

Trek-Segafredo handily claimed the top team honor, besting second place by almost five minutes. Mattias Skjelmose finished 8^th overall and Julien Bernard 9^th to give the team three in the top 10.