Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) has been one of the most feared and renowned riders in the peloton for several years now. This year, he raised his arms 12 times, notably winning 3 stages and the general classification of the Tour of Provence in February, the Flandrian classic Gand-Wevelgem in March, or the first stage of Critérium du Dauphiné in June. However, he is still looking to achieve his first big victory in a Monument, his self-proclaimed goal for the 2025 season. To do this, he could complete a long training course at altitude this winter, although he has always been reluctant about it . This decisive choice could allow him to finally achieve his big goal, as he finished 4th in Milan-Sanremo and 3rd of Paris-Roubaix This year.
Video – Mads Pedersen after his podium at Paris-Roubaix
“I have doubts about what this can really bring”
In comments reported by Extra Magazine, his trainer Matthias Reck explained that discussions were underway: “Mads himself has said publicly that although his coach tells him he has to do it, he doesn't want to. But it's something we're discussing. I'm sure at some point we will a real altitude training course Mads said: 'Okay, at some point, we'll try' But if I didn't insist much, it's because I have doubts about what it could really bring. Runners react very differently to altitude courses.”.
In recent years, Pedersen had been very opposed to the idea of training at altitude, not thinking that it would bring him any benefit, and that it could even jeopardize the season. However, for the sake of experience, it might be time to give it a try: “If Mads is open to that, then we have to do it. Because so far we haven't explored that option, and if it makes him lose just one extra kilo, maybe that will help, but I “I'm not sure, so I don't want to risk it. It will happen at some point, but I don't know when or in what year yet.”concludes his trainer.
