Mads Pedersen is done entertaining the idea that cycling’s biggest stars are beyond reach.
He spent much of 2025 racing head-to-head with the best: Tadej Pogačar, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. Now, the Lidl–Trek leader believes his performances have already settled the debate ahead of the 2026 Spring Classics.
The Dane was a constant presence in the spring. He won Gent–Wevelgem and was on the podium at the Tour of Flanders, Paris–Roubaix and the E3 Saxo Classic. He also crushed it at the Giro d’Italia. The former world champ took four stage wins and the sprinter’s jersey in Rome.
Those results, Pedersen says, speak louder than outside opinions. In an interview with TNT Sports, he…didn’t mince words.
Mads Pedersen goes off on the post-Tour crits: ‘Awful to watch’
“I don’t have to argue with them,” Pedersen said. “They have their opinions, I have mine. I’ve shown it’s possible to beat Mathieu. Tadej is a different story, but he’s a star of cycling — not just now, but forever.”
Pedersen acknowledged the gap that still exists at times, but said he ain’t giving up anytime soon. “Believe me, I try to find that last one per cent to beat these guys,” he said. “I’m the one working my ass off every day.”
That frustration surfaces when his place among the top tier is questioned. “Everyone is arguing that I’m not on the same level. You know, honestly, I think they should shut their mouths,” Pedersen said. “Try working the same amount of hours I do on the bike.”
Much of his confidence was cemented at the Giro, where he briefly wore pink and repeatedly imposed himself in demanding finishes. “When I start a race knowing I’ve done everything right, I believe I can win,” he said. “Even against Mathieu, Wout, Tadej. All of them.”
On those superstars he adds, “It’s quite tough in cycling right now. But I’m the one who wants to beat them.”
He will return to the Tour de France in 2026, targeting stage wins and the green jersey, along with Lidl–Trek’s Classics ambitions. His teammate and sprinter extraordinaire Jonathan Milan will take over Giro duties next year.
From Internet chatter, it seems like Pedersen may have a certain Derek Gee-West as a teammate next year too. Not only have rumours suggested he has in fact signed for Lidl-Trek, others have said he’s already at the team training camp.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…