Here’s a story that’ll make you scratch your head: Why would a world-class cyclist push through excruciating back pain to race in a far-flung event at the tail end of the season? That’s exactly what Mattias Skjelmose is doing at the Tour of Guangxi, and it’s raising more than a few eyebrows. Just days after abandoning Il Lombardia due to a recurring back injury, Skjelmose found himself back in the saddle for Lidl-Trek, leaving many to wonder: Why bother?
But here’s where it gets controversial: Skjelmose isn’t just any rider. He’s one of the few cyclists to have outpaced both Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel in a single race this season—a feat that puts him in an elite league. So, what’s he doing lining up in Guangxi, a race often seen as a mix of sprinters, rising stars, and veterans fighting for contract extensions? Is it team duty, personal ambition, or something else entirely?
The Tour of Guangxi isn’t exactly a walk in the park. With its late-season timing and lengthy travel, it’s a race many riders would rather skip. Take Skjelmose’s future teammate, Juan Ayuso, who cleverly avoided the leadership role in Guangxi by clinching two stage wins at the Vuelta a España. But Skjelmose isn’t backing down, despite a herniated disc that forced him to end his season early last year. Is this dedication or defiance?
And this is the part most people miss: Skjelmose’s presence in Guangxi isn’t just about personal glory. As he explains, it was partly about helping Lidl-Trek fight for a higher spot in the UCI team rankings—a goal that, while now unlikely, was once within reach. “It would have meant a lot to us,” he admits, shedding light on the team dynamics often overlooked in cycling.
Still, the question lingers: Can Skjelmose, one of the GC favorites alongside Jhonatan Narváez and Cian Uijtdebroeks, truly compete for the red jersey in his condition? His answer is refreshingly honest: “Not particularly.” But his willingness to show up, to lead, and to endure—that’s what makes this story so compelling.
So, here’s the big question for you: Is Skjelmose’s decision to race in Guangxi a noble act of team loyalty, or a risky move that could worsen his injury? Let us know in the comments!
