“Everything is going according to plan”: Skjelmose skips Nationals to fully commit to Tour de France build-up

Mattias Skjelmose has opted to skip the Danish National Championships in Herning in order to remain in altitude training and maintain an uninterrupted preparation block for the Tour de France. Despite initially being listed for the time trial, Lidl–Trek decided that continuity in his build-up was more valuable following a positive performance at the Critérium du Dauphiné. With no illness or setbacks reported, the team insists he is in his best condition ever heading into July.

Skjelmose will not start Friday’s time trial in Herning, even though he had considered taking part. According to Lidl-Trek sports director Kim Andersen, the decision was primarily driven by the desire of staying in altitude training.

“He had an idea that he would like to ride, but he is staying in altitude training because things went well enough in the Dauphiné. He did not miss any speed, and he was satisfied,” Andersen said.

He also pointed to logistical and team preparation factors. “They also have some team time trial training (in Barcelona) on Wednesday. So he will also go down there to ride, and it is not far from altitude training to Barcelona, so that is also one of the reasons (why he is not coming to Denmark).”

The national championships road race on Sunday had already been ruled out as part of the season planning.

Lidl-Trek have been clear that Skjelmose’s Tour preparation remains fully on track, with no physical concerns reported. Instead, the internal assessment is strongly positive. “Everything is going according to plan, and there is nothing to point at. There is no illness or anything at all, so that is nice.”

He added an even stronger assessment of his current level. “In all areas he is also better than he has ever been. But you also have to be that today to keep up.”

The Danish rider is expected to arrive at the Tour de France in peak condition as one of Lidl-Trek’s GC leaders, alongisde Juan Ayuso, with the team confident that the current training phase is delivering exactly the progression they want.