“He shouldn’t hide, but follow the best rider” – Andy Schleck urges Mattias Skjelmose to go all-in for Liège-Bastogne-Liège podium

Andy Schleck has laid out a clear directive for Mattias Skjelmose ahead of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, with the former winner and current Lidl-Trek deputy director drawing on both experience and authority within the team as they target a podium finish.

Speaking to TV 2 Sport, the 2009 winner made it clear that hesitation will not be an option when the decisive move comes. “He shouldn’t hide, but follow the best rider.”

While recent editions have often been shaped on La Redoute, Schleck believes the defining move could come later in the race. “I doubt it will happen on La Redoute, because Roche-aux-Faucons still comes later in the race,” he explained.

That assessment reflects the evolving nature of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where the final sequence of climbs continues to shape how and when the race is decided. “Our goal is the podium,” Schleck added. “At some point there will be a breakaway, and from there it’s up to the favourites’ teams to control the race.”

That message is mirrored by Mattias Skjelmose, who has also made clear that Lidl-Trek arrive with a defined objective. “Our goal is to get a podium,” he said.

The Dane’s confidence is grounded in a strong Ardennes campaign, having already delivered results that shape his perspective heading into Sunday’s Monument. “I’ve already taken results recently, both in Amstel and Flèche Wallonne, so it wouldn’t be a disaster if it goes completely wrong. But that doesn’t mean I won’t do everything to get that podium.”

A central element of Lidl-Trek’s approach is their ability to deploy multiple options in the decisive phase, with Giulio Ciccone sharing leadership responsibilities.

“I definitely think it can make a big difference to have two cards to play in the final,” Skjelmose explained. “In recent years we’ve seen Tadej Pogacar just ride away. Otherwise, it’s been relatively big groups where there can be tactics from behind.”

That flexibility could prove crucial in a race where positioning and timing often determine the outcome. “So I think it can make a big difference having two options when it comes to getting on the podium.”

While final tactical decisions may depend on how the race unfolds, the relationship between Skjelmose and Ciccone is expected to play a key role.

“It’s about Cicco and me,” Skjelmose said. “Cicco and I have a really good relationship and we’re very honest with each other. It might sort itself out in the race, but I’m not afraid to help him, and I don’t think he would hesitate to help me either if it comes down to it.”

Across both leadership and rider perspective, the message from Lidl-Trek is consistent. The team arrives with a clear goal, multiple options and a defined approach to the decisive phase of the race.

For Schleck, the instruction is simple. When the moment comes, there is no room to hesitate. Follow the best rider and commit fully.