A brave comeback: Mattias Skjelmose's leadership role at the Tour of Guangxi despite recurring back pain.
In a surprising turn of events, Mattias Skjelmose, a rider of exceptional talent, finds himself racing at the Tour of Guangxi for Lidl-Trek, despite a recent setback with a recurring back issue. Just days after withdrawing from Il Lombardia, Skjelmose's presence in China raises questions and sparks curiosity.
The Tour of Guangxi attracts a unique blend of riders: seasoned sprinters, promising climbers, and veterans hoping for a career extension. However, Skjelmose's caliber, having defeated cycling greats Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel in a single race this season, makes him a rare gem on the Guangxi start list, especially considering his ongoing battle with a herniated disc.
Despite the odds, Skjelmose starts as one of the favorites for the General Classification (GC), alongside Jhonatan Narváez and Cian Uijtdebroeks. Yet, his confidence in claiming the red jersey remains guarded.
"Racing in Guangxi is not for the faint-hearted," says James Moultrie, a renowned NCTJ journalist. "The lengthy travel and extended season can be a challenge, as seen with Juan Ayuso, Skjelmose's future teammate, who earned a reprieve from leadership duties by winning two stages at the Vuelta a España."
Skjelmose's decision to race in Guangxi is not without its controversies. He explains, "We were close to fighting for second place in the UCI team ranking, which would have been a significant achievement. That was the driving force behind my decision."
As the race unfolds, Skjelmose's performance will be under the microscope. Can he overcome his physical challenges and lead his team to glory? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on Skjelmose's decision? Do you think his leadership will inspire a team victory, or is this a risky move? Share your opinions in the comments below!
