The 2026 spring classics could take place without the 2019 road world champion. Mads Pedersen suffered several broken bones in a crash on stage 1 of the Tour of Valencia yesterday (4 February 2026). According to a statement from his team Lidl Trek, the 30-year-old Dane will undergo surgery on 6 February (Friday). He suffered fractures to his left wrist and right collarbone. The team left open how long Pedersen will have to take a break. "The first priority is to ensure the best possible care for Mads. The immediate focus is on a successful rehab to minimise the impact on his season goals," the press release reads verbatim. Lidl-Trek did not provide any further details. Last year, the classics specialist won the Ghent-Wevelgem race and finished second in the Tour of Flanders and third in Paris-Roubaix. It remains to be seen whether participation in these races at the end of March/beginning of April is possible this season.
>> European Track Cycling Championships - Shortly before his 40th birthday: Roger Kluge takes bronze
At this point, you will find external content that complements the article. You can display and hide it with a click.
Andreas Kublik
Editor
