Mads Pedersen will not take the start of the 11th stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026 due to the aftermath of a fever and, more generally, a non-optimal physical condition. Lidl-Trek has confirmed that the versatile Danish rider will return home to try to regain his strength and prepare for the demanding end of season. His best result on Spanish soil remains therefore the second place behind Bryan Coquard in the eighth stage disputed on August 29th.

Precarious Condition

The images of Mads Pedersen hopelessly dropped 30 km from yesterday's finish line are still fresh, which on paper would have been ideal for his qualities. The former world champion certainly didn't mince words and confirmed to reporters the non-optimal sensations of recent days: the Danish rider had to face a fever that was certainly debilitating and effectively ruled him out of the fight for stage victories. Lidl-Trek published a post on social media stating that: "Mads will now focus on full recovery before turning his attention to his remaining targets this season".

Unfortunately, Mads Pedersen will not take the start of today's stage 11 of La Vuelta.

After battling illness over the past few days, Mads will now focus on making a full recovery before turning his attention to his remaining targets this season.

Get well soon, Mads 💙… pic.twitter.com/IZzGvDKUNT

— Lidl-Trek (@LidlTrek) September 2, 2026

Updates to follow