“Within their rights to say no” – Jonas Vingegaard & Mads Pedersen receive support from Danish cycling icon after snubbing post-Vuelta celebration in Copenhagen

Jonas Vingegaard and Mads Pedersen may have delivered a historic double for Danish cycling at the 2025 Vuelta a Espana, but the absence of a civic celebration in Copenhagen has sparked debate at home. Now, former pro and long-time sports director Brian Holm has stepped in to defend the pair’s decision to prioritise recovery over fanfare.

Vingegaard, who sealed overall victory in Spain, and Pedersen, who stormed to the green jersey with both taking stage wins along the way, each declined an invitation to be honoured at Copenhagen’s City Hall. The Danish Cycling Union confirmed that a celebration was on the table, but the riders chose instead to head home, recharge and prepare for the next block of their seasons.

For Holm, who has seen the demands of elite racing from inside the peloton and the team car, their refusal is not only understandable but expected. “I think they’re absolutely within their rights to say no, thank you,” Holm told Feltet.dk, quashing any criticisms. “They’ve been away from home for a month, under constant pressure. To then go straight into a City Hall reception with crowds pulling at you — at some point you just want peace.”

Holm also stressed the practical realities: neither rider lives in Copenhagen, both face tightly packed schedules, and the physical and mental toll of a three-week Grand Tour leaves little room for ceremonial obligations. “It would almost have seemed strange if they had found the time. These are professional athletes with limited windows for recovery, and that comes before parties at the Rådhuspladsen,” he said.

The decision may disappoint some fans and politicians eager to celebrate Denmark’s golden age on two wheels, but Holm’s words underline a broader truth: modern cycling is as much about careful management off the bike as it is about brilliance on it.

After a season that has already seen Vingegaard battle for Tour de France glory and Pedersen reinforce his reputation as one of the sport’s most consistent winners, both are entitled to draw the line — particularly when their performances have already provided the country with plenty to celebrate.