They are consistently organized after the Tour de France and the cycling season: lucrative criteriums where riders can still earn a nice little extra. Mads Pedersen is, to put it mildly, no fan of the proverbial 'laps around the church.' The Dane explains why in a conversation with Feltet.
"It’s really terrible to watch because not a single rider even tries to make it look like they’re actually racing," the world-class rider speaks frankly. "No, it’s more important that they wear some kind of bike helmet with a top hat and flaps on it, dressed in a sumo wrestler suit," he refers to a tradition in Asian cycling criteriums after the season. "That’s what the riders get paid for."
Last weekend, the Saitama Criterium — an ASO-organized race — took place in Japan. Several top riders were present, and in the end, Jonas Vingegaard crossed the finish line first despite a crash in the finale.
Valverde and Contador dressed as baseball players, just before the Saitama Criterium - photo: Fotopersburo
"This race is organized to give cycling a boost in Japan. I think they are putting serious money into it," says former rider Brian Holm — a compatriot of Pedersen — in Ekstra Bladet.
However, Pedersen is (for now) not tempted to take part. "I’ve already declined a few offers. Never say never, but it’s absolutely the last thing I want," the former world champion states decisively.
