UPDATED: Pedersen Faces Surgery After Season-Opening Crash Derails Classics Build-Up

Spring classics favorite Mads Pedersen crashed out of stage 1 in his 2026 season debut at the five-day Volta a Valenciana in Spain and will undergo surgery.

Lidl-Trek officials confirmed the Danish powerhouse was transported to a local hospital, and the team updated Pedersen’s condition later Wednesday evening.

“Mads Pedersen suffered a fracture of the left wrist and right collarbone in the crash on day one at Volta Comunitat Valenciana, which will be operated on tomorrow,” a press note read.

Team officials did not reveal how long the former world champion will be sidelined.

Pedersen came roaring into this season intent on beating back Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar to win what would be his first career monument this spring.

With the major spring classics just weeks away, a setback like this is far from ideal.

“The team’s first priority is to ensure Mads gets the best care possible, and the immediate focus will be on a successful recovery to minimize the disruption to his season goals.”

Team officials did not reveal what caused the crash or what happened. There was no immediate reaction from Pedersen.

It appeared the big Dane crashed earlier in the stage, and he did not make it to the line to contest the final sprint.

Girmay back in the winner’s column

In the bunch sprint, Biniam Girmay won his first pro race since the 2024 Tour de France in his season debut with NSN Cycling after his transfer from Intermarché-Wanty coming into 2026.

“It took me more than a year to get a victory,” Girmay said. “Last year I was second many times, and that was not enough. I’m super happy, I’m motivated, and I’m happy to be back and to get the confidence back. I have the yellow jersey and, if I remember correctly, this is the second yellow jersey I will wear in my career.”

The Valenciana tour continues a big block of Spanish racing that runs into March.

Top names such as Remco Evenepoel — who did not win his fourth straight win after going three-for-three in the Mallorca Challenge — Brandon McNulty, and João Almeida.

The race continues Thursday with a 17km individual time trial from Carlet to Alginet, with Evenepoel the top favorite to win for the fourth time in 2026.