Mads Pedersen, the Danish cycling star, is a fascinating figure in the world of professional cycling. His journey to the top is marked by a unique blend of drive, humility, and a deep understanding of the sport's challenges. As he prepares for the Tour de France, it's worth exploring the man behind the racing machine, and the insights he offers into the world of cycling.
A Normal Guy with an Unmatched Drive
Pedersen is often portrayed as a 'normal guy' in the cycling world, which is a refreshing change from the typical image of a perfectionist athlete. This perception is not just a marketing ploy; it's a genuine reflection of his personality. He admits, "I could never go into that kind of detail. I know other people are much better at perfectionism than I am." This humility is a stark contrast to the often-perceived image of cyclists as obsessive and driven to perfection.
His drive, however, is undeniable. He recalls his first race, where he won immediately and thought he was the champion. His father's words of caution, however, taught him an important lesson: "I won it right away, and I thought, 'I'm the best. I'm the champion,'" he laughs. "My father told me to calm down. It was just a local race, with three clubs. But a week later, we went to an official race. In a 12-kilometer race, I lost six minutes."
This early lesson in humility is a recurring theme in his career. He understands that his coaches are the experts, and he follows their guidance, believing in their perfection. This mindset has served him well, allowing him to win the points jerseys in the Vuelta a España and the Giro d'Italia.
The Mental Peace of Mind
Pedersen's approach to training and racing is unique. He never trains at altitude, despite the Lidl-Trek team's attempts to convince him otherwise. This decision is rooted in his desire for mental peace. "You’re at altitude for 3.5 weeks, then you have the Dutch National Championships and the Tour. That means you’re gone for two months. I don’t get to see my wife and family then, but I can handle that. But I don’t want to see my f*cking teammates for two months," he laughs. "I love those guys, but at some point you just need a break."
This need for mental peace is crucial in a sport that is both physically and mentally demanding. It's a reminder that athletes are human, and their well-being is just as important as their performance.
The Dangers of Cycling
Pedersen is also acutely aware of the physical dangers of cycling. He acknowledges that "What we do isn’t healthy. Sports are healthy—up to a certain point. The only good thing about what we do is that we motivate others to exercise too." This honesty is refreshing, as it highlights the sport's risks, which are often overlooked.
He shares this view with Jonas Vingegaard, the two-time Tour winner. Vingegaard focuses on the destruction of the body, stating, "It’s not healthy. If I could make that decision for my kids, I’d know exactly what to do. Just go play badminton or tennis."
This perspective raises a deeper question: How can we balance the thrill of competition with the well-being of the athletes? It's a challenge that the sport of cycling, and sports in general, must address.
The Race Against Tadej Pogacar
Pedersen's rivalry with Tadej Pogacar is a fascinating aspect of his career. Pogacar has often been a thorn in Pedersen's side, snatching victories in Monuments like Paris-Roubaix. In one memorable ride, Pedersen put out 750 watts on the cobbles, on the flat, but was still dropped by the world champion. "I said, 'This can’t be possible. You have to outlast him!' But then: boom. They say you have to race smart to beat Tadej. But good luck with that, buddy."
Despite this, Pedersen remains optimistic. He doesn't regret racing in the same era as Pogacar, Van der Poel, and Van Aert. "When people ask me if I hate racing during the same era as someone like Pogacar, I say no. It’s great. But the day I hopefully beat him in a Monument someday will be even better."
This rivalry is a testament to the sport's competitive nature, and it raises the question: How can we create a more level playing field for all athletes?
Conclusion: The Future of Cycling
Mads Pedersen's journey is a reminder that success in cycling is not just about winning races, but also about understanding the sport's challenges and the well-being of the athletes. His insights into the dangers of cycling and the importance of mental peace are crucial for the future of the sport.
As cycling continues to evolve, it's essential to strike a balance between the thrill of competition and the health of the athletes. Pedersen's perspective offers a valuable contribution to this ongoing dialogue, and it's a reminder that the sport is more than just a race—it's a community of athletes pushing the boundaries of human capability.
