Sports director sees long road to podium for Skjelmose

Mattias Skjelmose is poised to achieve one of the best Danish results in the Tour de France, currently holding sixth place overall with four stages left. The Lidl-Trek rider's strong performance, especially his "phenomenal time trial," has drawn praise from Danish sports director Kim Andersen.

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It's a pretty good performance, and maybe it's forgotten a bit at home. But it doesn't matter, we are proud of where we are. Mattias is doing well and is positive, and he rode a phenomenal time trial.

"It's a pretty good performance, and maybe it's forgotten a bit at home," Andersen said. "But it doesn't matter, we are proud of where we are. Mattias is doing well and is positive, and he rode a phenomenal time trial." Andersen highlighted that Skjelmose could have been in fifth place if not for a minute lost due to a defect during the team time trial.

Andersen also addressed the absence of key contenders like Jonas Vingegaard and Florian Lipowitz, who crashed out of the race. "Some point out that two of the favorites have withdrawn. But that's how it is every year, and being able to stay on the bike is also part of it," he noted.

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Some point out that two of the favorites have withdrawn. But that's how it is every year, and being able to stay on the bike is also part of it.

Skjelmose trails teammate Juan Ayuso by 52 seconds, with both riders expected to pursue their own chances in the remaining mountain stages. Andersen acknowledged that a podium finish in Paris appears distant, with Skjelmose nearly three and a half minutes behind third place. However, he added, "It won't be easy now, but you never know. There are some young riders at the front who can also be affected by a tough weekend. A lot can happen with three summit finishes."

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It won't be easy now, but you never know. There are some young riders at the front who can also be affected by a tough weekend. A lot can happen with three summit finishes.