Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) has been forced to abandon the race for stage 8 due to worsening injuries sustained in a crash on stage 5 of the Tour de France.

"Unfortunately, Mads Pedersen will not be on the start line for stage 8 of the Tour de France as he was forced to abandon the race due to a crash in the group sprint to Saint Vurba on stage 5.

Pedersen crashed into a barrier late in the sprint finish of stage 5, injuring his left shoulder and back; X-rays showed no fractures and his initial symptoms were good, but the team made it clear that his condition was suffering.

"The Danish rider fought through stages 6 and 7, but the pain and swelling have not improved and the range of motion in his left shoulder has worsened, making it almost impossible to handle the bike," the team said.

Pedersen was seventh in the first stage and fourth in the third stage of the competition, placing him second in the sprinter class in the green jersey behind Biniam Girmay (Intermarché Wanty).

." Initial X-rays showed no signs of fracture, but after undergoing a more detailed examination with the team to further evaluate his injury, it was decided that it would be best for Mads to stop racing to give him the proper rest and recovery he needs to focus on his remaining goals for this summer and the final part of the season ."

For the Lidl-Trek team, Mads Pedersen's main focus was to compete in the Tour. The Danish sprinter was enjoying a strong season following his victory in Ghent-Wevelgem and a stage win in the Criterium du Dauphiné. He had won the 2022 and 2023 Tour de France and was hoping to continue his stage wins in the Tour de France.

Stage 6, finishing in Dijon, was supposed to be Pedersen's best finish, but it was a messy finish and he undoubtedly suffered from injuries, with Pedersen finishing in 15th place.

Pedersen told reporters about the crash that happened two days earlier before stage 8, which is expected to be a sprint stage." I saw the crash and took the barrier with my left shoulder.

"I took an x-ray right away, but it wasn't easy to find out if I had a fracture. My doctor said it might be a fracture that would only be known after a week."

Pedersen's doctor thought he could continue riding as long as he could cope with the pain. However, the TT in stage 7 made that impossible.

"They were not impressed with my position in the TT yesterday," Pedersen said. [Management, DS, and the doctor told me that there were more important things ahead than fighting through a few days to do a sprint or two. The Olympics are more important."

"It's hard to change your mindset in the middle of the Tour. Especially since you worked so hard to be the best you can be here.

While Pedersen's focus switches to the Olympics, Lidl-Trek Lidl-Trek will continue to support 2023 polka dot jersey winner Giglio Ciccone.

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