"If you start the climb in position ten, you will not compete for the gold medal" - Mads Pedersen knows what mistakes to avoid at VAM-berg

Mads Pedersen has had an astonishing season and he has the opportunity to add to it. After victories at the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and top results throughout the whole spring classics and post-Tour de France. In the VAM-berg he can ride for another prestigious result.

“I'm still motivated, otherwise I wouldn't be here. That would not be fair to my Danish colleagues, who are not here," Pedersen shared with Wielerflits this morning. “I am still very motivated and will do everything I can to win a medal. I highly value a European title. It is always special to be able to race in a champion's jersey for a year. This competition will gain in prestige in the future."

Following victories at the Tour of Denmark and BEMER Cyclassics, he finally began to show fatigue at the Deutschland Tour. However, in the meantime, he's taken some rest and returned to racing with a second place at the GP d'Isbergues. He leads a strong Danish contingent at the Europeans, Andreas Kron and Casper Pedersen will be among other outsiders, but may play a key role in preparing Pedersen for the sprint.

The sprint, which will be uphill - perhaps suited to the Dane - will be key in the decision of the race he believes. A sprinter, he of course hopes for the race to be decided in one, although obviously it can be in the fight for minor places. “You definitely have to start in a good position. If you start the climb in position ten, you will not compete for the gold medal. You should be among the first five or six riders at the foot of the climb."