Mads Pedersen definitely on the up but his sprint is 'the part missing from the injury' ahead of Tour of Flanders

Mads Pedersen secured a commendable eighth place at Dwars door Vlaanderen, marking his third race back following a significant injury layoff. The Lidl-Trek rider, who recently returned to competition at Gent-Wevelgem, demonstrated solid form in the Flemish semi-classic, despite acknowledging that his sprint power, crucial for the Classics, is still recovering. This result places him firmly in contention for the upcoming Tour of Flanders, albeit with a question mark over his top-end speed.

This performance is particularly salient given Pedersen's history as a former world champion and a proven Classics contender, having won Gent-Wevelgem in 2020 and E3 Saxo Classic in 2022. His early season injury, which sidelined him for several weeks, threatened to derail his entire spring campaign. To be back in the top ten at a demanding race like Dwars door Vlaanderen, just days before the Ronde, speaks volumes about his resilience and form. It also highlights the increasing depth of the Classics field, where even a slightly compromised Pedersen faces stiff competition.

Pedersen’s consistent top-ten finishes, even without his full sprint, suggest a formidable engine. The question now is whether the 'missing part' of his sprint will reappear in time for the Ronde, or if he'll simply have to win it another way.