Mads Pedersen claims his first win as World Champion after a perfectly executed leadout from his Trek-Segafredo teammates.
It was textbook.
The cliche can only explain a perfect Trek-Segafredo sprint train that led Mads Pedersen to victory in Stage 2 at the Tour of Poland.
Watching Trek-Segafredo take control in the final kilometers was something to behold — the timing, speed, and calculated efforts, everything that makes pro cycling beautiful. And unique.
The team delivered. Of course, Pedersen still had to make the last incredible, powerful effort. And he did that astonishingly early, beginning at 250 meters from the line. It was his kind of sprint — pure raw strength.
Thanks to having the best position and initial jump on faster legs such as Pascal Ackermann (Bora-hansgrohe), Pedersen crossed the line first – just.
Ackermann finished in second, and Davide Ballerini (Deceuninck-Quick Step) rounded out the top three.
First of all, I want to dedicate this win to Fabio Jakobsen after the horrible crash yesterday. He deserves to come back fast, to life, and to racing.
“First of all, I want to dedicate this win to Fabio Jakobsen after the horrible crash yesterday. He deserves to come back fast, to life, and to racing,” said Pedersen. “We did some pretty good teamwork today. To see how the team rode today was impressive, and then to give something extra in the finale. So I am super happy to take this victory for the team, and for myself also and show this beautiful jersey,” he continued.
Pedersen had to wait until August for his first win in the rainbow stripes after the 2020 season was put on hold due to the pandemic. The hiatus did not hinder the team from picking up where they had left off in the winter as they continued to show a renewed energy and motivation this year.
With the win, Pedersen also took over the race lead and will wear the yellow leader’s jersey into Stage three.
“Now we want to fight to keep the leader’s jersey through tomorrow; we will do our best. This is a really good way for us to restart the season and keep our fighting spirit going,” Pedersen added.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyJ-TC3ndLE?feature=oembed&w=1920&h=1080]