The Dane entered the Tour with the goal of winning a third consecutive Tour de France win and also contesting for the points classification, where he was among the first up until that point. But on the fifth stage that changed, in the same sprint that crowned Mark Cavendish as a record-holding rider.
As the Manxman swerved through the road, Mads Pedersen who was boxed in ended up crashing against the barriers. Axel Zingle notably bunny-hopped over him moments. Pedersen managed to
avoid fractures despite the difficult fall but clearly the damage made an impact.
The following day he contested the sprint but only rode to 15th on the day. As of this Friday, he was second in the points classification and Biniam Girmay's closest contender. But after stage 6, with no breakaway, he was awarded the combativity award and was actually quite unhappy with the situation that unfolded:
"I would have preferred to be in the shower. After four hours of racing I now have to waste another half hour of my time here,"
Pedersen told Het Nieuwsblad before climbing onto the podium to collect the prize. "They should have given that prize to someone else, but I'll accept it with a smile, right? In the meantime my wounds are leaking again."