After 194km of racing through the wind and rain, Pedersen ends his season with a podium finish
How it happened
The Münsterland Giro gave a clear indication that the 2023 season is close to its conclusion. Fallen orange leaves decorated the course as riders debated their clothing choices, knowing they would have to endure several hours in the wind and rain.
Within 30 kilometers the wind had ripped through the bunch and split the race. In the front were 30 riders, including Lidl-Trek stagiaire Tim Torn Teutenberg and leader Mads Pedersen, hoping to finish his hugely successful season on a high. The group rode hard though never increased their lead beyond 1’30”. Most teams were happy with the composition of the group, leaving few riders to chase it. As the kilometers tumbled down, so did the numbers in the group, leaving just 10 riders in contention come the final circuit in Münster. Pedersen was visibly tired by the long day in the saddle, coming at the end of an extended season, and lacked his usual punch to chase attacks in the final. Hagenes managed to get away, alone, and behind Mads used his last match to sprint to third place.
Photos of the day
Courtesy of Sprint Cycling
