Mattias Skjelmose uses Itzulia Basque Country as preparation for spring classics: "The Ardennes Classics are my big goal, Liège-Bastogne-Liège in particular"

Mattias Skjelmose has been a true performer so far this spring but he aims for more. After his success at Paris-Nice, he hopes to match the likes of Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel at Itzulia Basque Country before racing the Ardennes classics.

"The weeks after Paris-Nice gave me the chance to take a breath, to take stock with my coach and nutritionist before some more altitude training in view of this upcoming block of races," Skjelmose said in a press release issued by Lidl-Trek. "I had only one night in my own bed, but these are the sacrifices needed to prepare for the big goals I am pursuing. I am super motivated. I see Itzulia Basque Country as the ideal approach to the most important events of my Spring season, the Ardennes Classics. It is an exciting prospect, and I am going to Spain to do an all-in performance."

The Dane rode strongly last year on Basque roads and is one who likes the short and sharper climbs. Hence, whilst Lidl-Trek gather themselves back up towards the cobbled classics, in a different point of Europe some others prepare for the Ardennes classics. Skjelmose leads the charge at Itzulia, with the likes of Tao Geoghegan Hart and Andrea Bagioli as teammates.

"I’ll compete with many riders similar to me, both in terms of characteristics and ambitions. We’ll be looking for a great performance to win here and to approach the Ardennes races with morale and the right form," he adds. "I expect a hectic challenge."

At Paris-Nice, Skjelmose won stage 6 and finished fourth in the overall classification. His stint was largely hampered by the weather changes in the team time-trial, but he can certainly aim to do a similar result here: "Compared to the last editions, it looks a bit easier on paper, but in the Basque Country there are no easy days and I’ve no doubts that also this year we’ll have an exciting and spectacular race."

"The presence of an ITT is me really nice. TT races are a specialty in which I know I can perform well and for which I have worked hard over the winter. It’s definitely a nice course but to get the most of the six days of racing, we will need to race smart."

However, the race is not a priority, but he does share what his is: "Yes, the Ardennes Classics are my big goal, Liège-Bastogne-Liège in particular. It’s the only monument together with Il Lombardia for riders with my characteristics."

"An exciting period is coming for me, these are great races! Last year, I collected very good result in the three races, the podium at Flèche Wallonne above all. I am really looking forward for these races again. The first part of the season went by super-fast, between training camps and races," Skjelmose concludes. "It’s the first time I’ve approached the season in this way, but I think the choice has paid off so far. Now, there is one more step to take and I feel ready for it."