Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) is confident at the start of the 2025 Tour of Flanders, declaring that he is in his best condition ever. However, the Danish rider is aware that he will have to play in advance to have a chance against the two big favorites Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates).

Buoyed by recent results - second at the E3 Saxo Classic, solo winner at Gent-Wevelgem and fifth at Dwars door Vlaanderen - Pedersen is keeping his feet on the ground:

"Those races didn't teach me much, the two main favourites weren't there and that completely changes the dynamics of the race."

The Dane is realistic about his condition compared to the two champions:

"I can't just wait and follow their attacks. At E3 Van der Poel clearly broke away from me. I know they are stronger than me on the climbs, so I have to move earlier."

Lidl-Trek's strategy will be fundamental:

"To beat these riders we need to be there in numbers. I can't make the difference against Mathieu and Tadej alone, I need a full team. We proved it last year at Gent-Wevelgem: we have to work together to have a chance."

Pedersen does not hide that Van der Poel seems to have made a further leap in quality compared to 2024:

"What we saw at Milan-San Remo was really impressive. I think he can follow Pogačar on the climbs."

Despite the importance of the race, the former world champion maintains a balanced approach:

"I try to keep the same mentality for every race. If I start thinking too much and focusing too much on the details in the big classics, it could be counterproductive."

Sprint Cycling Photo