Mads Pedersen Secures Tour de France Green Jersey With Epic Mountain Effort

A Mountain-Stage Masterclass

Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) secured the green points jersey at the 2026 Tour de France after a decisive mountain-stage performance, cementing his place among an elite group of riders to win the classification at all three Grand Tours. The Danish sprinter earned the 25 points available at the intermediate sprint in Saint-Julien-Mont-Denis, ensuring the jersey was mathematically his ahead of the final stage in Paris.

A Trio of Grand Tour Triumphs

Pedersen’s victory came despite the race’s most grueling stage, a 24km ascent of the hors catégorie Col de la Croix de Fer with nearly 5,500 meters of elevation gain. A 14-rider breakaway initially pulled clear, leaving Pedersen stranded in the peloton. He was dropped on the climb’s steepest sections but regrouped, closing a one-minute deficit in the final 3.5km to rejoin the leading group. His timing proved critical, as he crossed the intermediate sprint to lock in the points.

The Strategy Behind the Sprint

“I never find it so much pleasure to ride in the mountains,” Pedersen said, describing the stage as “a job I needed to get done.” He credited his pacing strategy, noting he “knew the exact numbers I could do” and waited for the race dynamics to favor his return. His effort reduced the gap to the leaders, allowing him to capitalize on the descent and rejoin the front group.

A Legacy Forged in Adversity

The green jersey marks Pedersen’s third Grand Tour points classification win, joining the Vuelta a España titles in 2022 and 2025 and a maglia ciclamino from the Giro d’Italia.

The Final Stage: A New Challenge

Pedersen’s success relied on aggressive breakaway participation and strategic sprinting, rather than traditional bunch finishes. He won a stage into Foix on Stage 4 but often sacrificed position in sprints to accumulate points. “What’s been most incredible is how I’ve won green by using the intermediate sprints and getting into any and every breakaway,” he said.

A Farewell Gift for Guercilena

The final stage in Paris, shortened to 89km, will test Pedersen’s remaining energy. He aims to attack the Montmartre circuit, where laps could decide the day. “Now I don’t have to think about bad luck or punctures,” Pedersen said. “Now it’s all in for the win.” His victory also carries personal significance, as it will be the final race for team manager Luca Guercilena. Pedersen expressed pride in sharing the podium with his teammates and Guercilena, calling it “the best gift” for the departing manager.

The 2026 Tour de France concludes with a sprinters’ showdown in Paris, but Pedersen’s mountain-stage heroics have already secured his legacy. His ability to adapt to adversity and outmaneuver rivals underscores his status as one of the sport’s most versatile performers.