“I'm just disappointed I couldn't deliver” – Pedersen reacts to stunning loss to Gaudu at the Vuelta a Espana

It has been a frustrating opening to the Vuelta a España for Mads Pedersen. On stage 3, the Dane was perfectly positioned for a sprint finish but was surprised by David Gaudu’s daring inside move on the final corner, which carried him to victory ahead of Pedersen and compatriot Jonas Vingegaard. Pedersen, who won four stages and the points jersey at this year’s Giro d’Italia, is still waiting to take his first in Spain. For Lidl-Trek, it was a second consecutive near-miss after Giulio Ciccone was beaten by Vingegaard at the line on stage 2.

In a team statement, Pedersen admitted, “The boys did great work all day. We knew from the beginning that no one would help us so it was a pretty hard day for the whole team and I'm just dissapointed I couldn't deliver what we were working the whole day for. It's tough to say but to finish second is the first loser on the line. We've been close two days in a row but it is what it is. We're showing good signs and we'll keep fighting to get the win. The Vuelta is long so, yeah, we will get it.”

He went on to praise his teammates’ efforts who rode on the front for him all day, “The team was really impressive today, it's crazy how Daan was pulling alone for 60km's and also on the climb. When Amanuel and Carlos took over it was really really impressive. We made a plan on the bus this morning and the guys finished it off so chapeau to the whole team today.”

Ciccone also reflected on the near miss. “We rode an amazing race as a team, no doubt about it,” he said. “Our goal was to win the stage with Mads, and I think we did everything we could. It wasn’t an easy finale. I started my lead-out early to launch Mads, but that’s how it goes — sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.”

Despite the setbacks, Ciccone looked ahead with optimism for the next three weeks as the race now heads to Spain: “The Vuelta is long, and we’re in great shape. There are still a lot of chances to come. Mads apologised to me at the finish, but he doesn’t need to say sorry. That’s cycling. Mads is a champion, and we’re here to support him. We just need to take the next opportunities when they come.”