Winning the Peace Race It's already a sign of quality in itself, but doing it while wearing the world champion's jersey means we're dealing with a true champion. And if you do it Albert's way... Withen Philipsen, then we are really in the presence of something very important.
Salvoldi, talking about the race in the Czech Republic he had been clear in defining how the superiority of the Dane had been a discriminating factor, for example for how he had conducted the pursuit of Bessega in the penultimate stage. Remembering how Philipsen's victory had surprised everyone at the World Championships in Glasgow, how the Dane himself had emphasized his persistent difficulties managing a road race compared to one of his first loves, mountain biking, such a crescendo is surprising.
«It was a start to the season full of ups and downs – Philipsen says just after returning to his Denmark – I'm really happy to have won a classic stage race like the Czech one, but also disappointed that I couldn't get more at the end Roubaix, after everything was going well, but I wasn't fast enough in the sprint. Those were the two goals for the start of this season. Let's say that having achieved one is positive, but I wanted more."
Did the two rainbow jerseys give you something extra in terms of your confidence while racing, your personality?
Yes, especially on the road. Having that shirt on makes you more tactical and a little more creative in the way you run because everyone is looking at you.So we have 50 guys watching your rear wheel and reacting every time you attack. So that makes everything a little more difficult, and you really have to use your energy wisely, otherwise you just waste it. That jersey actually gives you something extra.
At the Course de la Paix, you seemed to be the true master of the race. How much of an influence did the team have?
They really made a big difference. It was truly a team performance, and I couldn't have done it without them. Of course, I was the one who wore the jersey, but it was the whole team that won it. Yes, they performed amazingly well, and I'm truly grateful for the help they provided. By keeping me safe in the group and helping me control everything, they made it possible for every race to be planned the way we wanted.
Compared to Philipsen a year ago, how much have you improved in road racing?
I'd say a lot. I can't say exactly how much my performance in the race has improved. Obviously I've found that I've made progress, but it's more a question of how I run, the tactics I use on the run, there has been progress. I feel more confident.The dynamics in a road race have improved a lot. I think I've grown much smarter now than last year, and I can really see how that's impacting my racing. I can waste much less energy by not having to constantly break away, using it when it counts.
After Glasgow, you said you still had some trouble riding in a group. Have you improved now, and how helpful is that in choosing strategies?
It makes everything much, much easier when you're not afraid of being in the pack. I've gotten more used to it, so it doesn't bother me anymore, and it could make racing much easier because last year I was leading most of the races. I manage myself better, I stay a little further back in the group and watch how everyone else is riding.This allows you to anticipate the race and also save a lot of energy. It was a fundamental step and I'm completing it.
Where do you find the most competition between the two disciplines?
That's a tough question. I haven't ridden much mountain bike this year, and the two Junior Series races I won weren't all the top riders, so it's hard to give a definitive answer. In the last weekend of May I will compete in the World Cup in Nove Mesto, I think that there I will have a clear picture of my level compared to the othersOn the road, I can say the level is higher than in 2023. It's a really competitive discipline, and everyone is super strong right now. What strikes me most is how professional the juniors' overall level of work is.
Next year you will move to Lidl TrekDo you already know whether you will continue to run both road and mountain bike?
I will continue to promote both of these plans. I was very clear about this in my choice. My main focus will be on the road, but I've decided I want to continue to do some mountain biking as well when I have time to do so.There may not be as many races, but I really enjoy getting back to mountain biking and sometimes even the mountain biking scene; it's a way for me to let off steam. For me, it's a way to keep the fun level high.
Many are anticipating your arrival, talking about a new champion who will soon be on the same level as Pogacar, Evenepoel, and Van der Poel. Does this put pressure on you?
I don't think I take it as pressure, but more of a compliment. But it's difficult to predict what my level will be because I'm still young and I still have a lot of development to do.I've never competed against the top guys, so it's hard to know how things will pan out in the future. Obviously, I hope to be like some of the big stars in the future. That's my career goal.
After the Course de la Paix, do you consider yourself more of a classics or stage race rider?
Another difficult question… I think I'm a bit of a jack of all trades at the moment and I'd like to keep it that way at least for now. And it's hard to know what kind of rider you are in the junior ranks. At this level, I think you can do a bit of everything; as you move up the ranks, it becomes a little clearer what your characteristics are. I'd like to remain a complete rider, capable of consistently winning. To be able to participate with ambition in both the classics and stage races.
What are your goals for this season now?
As for mountain biking, I aim to confirm myself as national champion and of course world champion. On the road it will be more difficult to win the Danish champion's jersey because the route is for sprintersThen I'll aim for the world championships, on a course I like. Doing the double again wouldn't be bad, right?
