You may view some of the comments that you’re about to read from Mads Pedersen in an unfavourable light. He’s cocky, he’s got a massive ego, and there’s more than a touch of arrogance in how he talks.

But then you hear the story of how he bought his father, Claus, a bike shop a few years ago and it’s impossible not to warm to the Danish star. “My dad was a truck driver and he was waking up at 3.30am and getting home at 5pm,” Pedersen tells Rouleur in Calpe during Trek-Segafredo’s winter training camp. “They were long days and I saw my dad on the limit at a young age.

“When I was 14 or 15, I told my dad that if one day I made money I would give him money so that he could start whatever business he wanted. So when I had the money, I gave it to him and he opened a bike shop.

“It was to give him a life that he loves and to live a bit longer enjoying what he is doing. It is worth every penny I spent on it. He loves bikes, equipment, and it’s something he can do. He doesn’t have an education so it’s not easy to make the holy grail or anything super special. But a bike shop pays the bills and keeps him happy.” Is Pedersen’s father happier? “Definitely,” the 2019 world champion smiles. “I see a different dad.”

This article was published in Rouleur in December 2023. The full article can be read here.