Mats Pedersen, along with Mathieu van der Pol and other adventurers, went on the attack several times during the European Championships, but could not break the Italian and Belgian's grip and the race ended in a sprint.

Pedersen and his Danish teammates have been named numerous times in Cycling News race reports. Even when a sprint seemed inevitable, Capser Asgreen and Søren Kragh Andersen attacked alone late in the race.

Pedersen also tried a hectic sprint finish, finishing sixth

behind winner and new European champion Tim Merler (Belgium). Pedersen said in the mixed zone after the race, “I think we did our country proud.”

“I think Denmark tried very hard to eliminate as many sprinters as possible.

Pedersen was definitely more aggressive than Van der Pol, following the Dutchman and attacking further.

When he got away with Danny van Poppel, Christophe Laporte, Jonas Rucci, and Arthur Crookers, they believed they had a chance to break the grip of the sprint teams.

“The breakaway with that group was strong.

“We knew Belgium and Italy would pull it to close it when there were no more riders in the break. But Belgium and Italy didn't have players to participate in the break, so they pulled away in the meantime.

“I think we did everything we could in today's match, we finished in sixth place and I'm happy with that result because it was such a good effort.”

Pedersen will ride the Tour de Luxembourg this week as a final preparation for the World Championships in Zurich. There he will face climbers rather than sprinters, but he could still be in contention for the rainbow jersey.