- Previous world titleholder Pedersen showcases his exceptional skills - "top-notch performance level"
Following his impressive display in front of his class, previous world champion Mads Pedersen from Denmark set the tempo, which then led veteran Simon Geschke to comment, "He's in exceptional shape. For me, he's the top pick for the general classification," Geschke, a past winner of a Tour de France stage, shared his thoughts on ARD. Pedersen had previously clinched the second stage of the Deutschland Tour in a remarkable manner and grabbed the overall lead. German cyclists remain hopeful for a native victory.
Pedersen seized control during the second stage covering a distance of 174.6 kilometers from Heilbronn to Schwäbisch Gmünd, taking the lead on the final climb before sprinting to victory. Norwegian Tobias Johannessen and Irishman Archie Ryan ended up in second and third places. The best German performance came from Jonas Rutsch, who placed seventh.
This means that German cyclists are still waiting for a triumph at their sole professional home race. Three years ago, Nils Politt managed to secure the overall victory, marking the last German success.
Pedersen took over from teammate Milan
During the race, Pedersen displaced Lidl-Trek teammate Jonathan Milan at the top of the general classification. Milan had previously bagged victories in the prologue and the first stage, but struggled on the hilly terrain. Rutsch was hesitant to suggest it was a determining factor, "He might struggle in the general classification. There are still some mountains to overcome."
However, Pedersen shines in such conditions, as proven by his victories in major races such as the 2019 World Championships in Harrogate and two Tour de France stages.
Many spectators lined the route
With great cycling weather, many enthusiasts turned up along the route, hoping that veterans like Geschke or Giro stage winner Georg Steinhauser might secure a German win. "I'm enjoying it. Before next year, I'll miss this atmosphere," said Geschke, who is retiring this year.
However, other riders stole the show. As the race reached its critical point around 44 kilometers from the finish, there was no sign of German riders. A four-man group, spearheaded by experienced Latvian Tom Skujins, had broken away on the climb to Lauterburg and created a 30-second lead. Pedersen showed his strength in the decisive group that formed on the following climb.
The cyclists face their most challenging stage on Saturday, with a 211.1-kilometer ride from Schwäbisch Gmünd to Villingen-Schwenningen, featuring around 3000 meters of climbing in the Black Forest. The Deutschland Tour concludes on Sunday in Saarbrücken.
Pedersen's dominance began in Heilbronn, where he started the second stage of the Deutschland Tour.During the exciting race from Heilbronn to Schwäbisch Gmünd, German riders were eagerly hoping for a native victory, but unfortunately, Pedersen once again outshined them.
