Skjelmose will start the Vuelta "100 percent conservatively"; Dane aims to overcome two handicaps

Looking at Lidl-Trek’s roster, there are three riders with the potential to finish in the top ten: Tao Geoghegan Hart, Giulio Ciccone, and Skjelmose. The German-American team had already provided some details about the roles of these riders when announcing their Vuelta squad, but to clarify further, all three sat down for a press conference ahead of the race. "And we also have strong riders like Mathias Vacek and Otto Vergaerde to support us on the flat stages," Skjelmose highlighted the strength of his team.

Skjelmose is the main focus, heading into the Spanish tour with an impressive résumé, having performed well this year in races like Paris-Nice (fourth), the Tour of the Basque Country, and the Tour de Suisse (both third). In the Vuelta, he aims to take the next step toward becoming a general classification contender in grand tours.

"I’m incredibly excited," began the always outspoken Dane. "Since the Tour de Suisse, I haven’t raced much because I wanted to prepare properly for the Vuelta. My goal was to arrive here as physically and mentally fresh as possible. The team and I have done a great job. This will be my third grand tour, but it’s my first real test. I haven’t achieved big results in the overall standings yet, but I feel the time is right. Whether I finish in the top five or top ten doesn’t matter much to me. I just don’t want to crack under pressure."

In preparation, we didn’t see much of Skjelmose in action. "Throughout the season, I spent a lot of time at altitude. After the Olympics, I spent another ten days in Calpe, where I specifically prepared for the heat. That was a good move, knowing that we’re now in Lisbon and will face hot conditions in the south of Spain as well."

"In the past, the heat was a real problem for me, but I think I’ve made significant improvements in that area," he says. "I’ve lost weight since last season and have gotten older as well. When temperatures rise above 40 degrees, it’s tough for anyone, but if you haven’t prepared for it... then it becomes a real issue."

Skjelmose isn’t too focused on overall victory, as he admits. "Joao Almeida and Adam Yates showed in Switzerland that they’re a bit stronger than I am, so I think they can make the race really tough. But there are others as well because the level in this Vuelta is very high." The Dane is adjusting his race strategy accordingly.

"We’re definitely going to ride conservatively, 100 percent," he says without hesitation. "Until something drastic changes, I’m still not at the level of the best riders in the race. As long as that’s the case, I think I need to approach it conservatively. My big problem in the past has been my recovery ability, so for me, it’s all about conserving as much energy as possible and only going all out when it’s really necessary."

While Skjelmose spoke openly, Geoghegan Hart sat quietly, looking resigned. "I’m trying not to think too much about my crash in Burgos, but it’s not easy. We’re here with a strong team, and it’s nice to be with the guys, so I’m looking forward to just getting started. But it doesn’t really make sense for me to talk about my goals."

"It was never the plan to be here," the Brit admits frankly. "My whole season was centered around the Tour, but then I had to deal with COVID at the Critérium du Dauphiné. That kept me off the bike for ten days, so I couldn’t participate in the Tour."

Finally, Ciccone, as always, was there with a big smile. "I’m here mainly to support Mattias, as has been the plan since winter. But it’s a tough race, so I think there will also be some opportunities for me. The first goal, however, is to help the team, especially Mattias. I’ve recovered well from the Tour and am ready to give it my all for three more weeks."