You want a wildcard for the 2025 Tour of Flanders? A rider who’s not quite a favorite, but could absolutely blow it apart if the stars align? That’s Mads Pedersen.

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Seven years ago, he shocked the cycling world by finishing second in his debut Ronde—barely 22 years old, working as a domestique. Now, at 29, the Dane returns as a former world champion, a Monument winner, and a serious outsider. But as he told Het Nieuwsblad, he’s not getting carried away.

“In 2018 I was just happy with second. I never imagined I’d be in contention. I was there to support John Degenkolb and Jasper Stuyven. I got sent up the road to help later. This Sunday? Totally different. I’m starting as an important outsider.”

No Illusions About The Challenge

And that’s no false modesty. Pedersen is fresh off a gritty win at Gent-Wevelgem, but he’s also painfully aware of what he’s up against.

“In Harelbeke, on the Oude Kwaremont, I just couldn’t follow Mathieu van der Poel,” he said. “With him and Pogacar in the race, it’s a whole different game. They’re not afraid to open the finale early. But what am I supposed to do—attack with 140 kilometers to go? That doesn’t make sense. I just have to follow the race and make the right decision when the moment comes. I’ll follow my instincts.”

Pedersen knows sitting and waiting isn’t an option either.

“If I wait, I’ll just get dropped on the last Kwaremont. So I need to do something. I just don’t know what yet. It depends on a lot of things—especially how strong we are as a team. But this is the best lineup I’ve ever had for the Ronde, and I’ll need them. On my own, I’ll never beat those two.”

Mads Pedersen Not Here to Finish Second

Still, don’t mistake realism for resignation. Pedersen isn’t racing to podium—he’s racing to win. Even if Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar are in another orbit right now.

And when it comes to long-term goals? The Dane is clear: “If you ask me which race I’d most love to win, it’s Paris-Roubaix. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love to win Flanders. It’s still a Monument. I love racing in Belgium, and the Ronde is the most special of them all. If I end my career having won the Ronde but not Roubaix, I’ll be more than happy.”

As for Sunday’s forecast, which looks cold and crisp compared to the warm-up days?

“Ideal,” Pedersen laughed. “Warm and sunny for training, freezing on race day? That’s perfect.”

And so, while the headlines are all van der Poel and Pogacar, don’t forget about the hardman from Denmark. He’s been here before. He’s done the damage. And this time, he’s not riding in anyone’s shadow.