Mads Pedersen started the day with an advantage of 13 seconds on his closest GC rival – yesterday’s breakaway companion Matej Mohoric (TBV). In theory, Mads just needed to finish with the leaders, and ensure that Mohoric didn’t gain 13 bonus seconds at the intermediate and final sprints. Of course, when there’s a chance to win again, Mads will try to take it, and so Lidl-Trek geared up for a sprint in Arles. The plan was a late charge for the line – a different tactic to Mads’ famous long power sprints – but a good chance to dial the leadout train during the early season. Unfortunately, the sprint plan was derailed after a massive crash in the final meters. Whilst the chance to sprint was lost, most importantly the whole team stayed safe to cross the line. Mads was crowned the overall winner, now for the second time, and Lidl-Trek were recognized as the best team.
“It was a good day, a fast day in the peloton, and a strong breakaway that went late in the race,” said Mads at the finish. “It was hard to catch them, but we managed it and ended in the sprint like we wanted to. We didn’t get the result, but we still win the GC so all is good.
“We were trying to do a leadout and it didn’t go 100% to plan. I think it was Ackermann who crashed, and when he went down of course you’re slamming the brakes, you don’t want to go down yourself, and that destroyed the sprint a bit for me. In the end I’m happy I didn’t crash and I still have the GC.
“I still have some work to do, I’m not in top share yet, but there’s still two months until Roubaix.”
