Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek has withdrawn from the Tour de France before stage 8, following injuries sustained during a crash in stage 5. A team statement on Saturday morning confirmed Pedersen’s departure: “Unfortunately, Mads Pedersen will not be on the start line of Tour de France Stage 8 after being forced to abandon the race following the crash in the bunch sprint on Stage 5 into Saint Vulbas.”
Despite pushing through stages 6 and 7, Pedersen’s condition did not improve. The statement continued, “The Danish rider fought through Stage 6 and 7, but the pain and swelling have not improved, and the range of movement in his left shoulder has worsened, making it almost impossible to handle the bike.”
Initial x-rays showed no fractures, yet the team decided it was best for Pedersen to stop racing. “Together with the team, the decision was made that it was in Mads’ best interest to stop racing in order to undergo more detailed examinations to assess his injuries further and give him the proper rest and recovery needed to focus on his remaining goals this summer and the final part of the season.”
Main photo credit: Getty
