Push through the agony or prioritize personal well-being? Mattias Skjelmose's daring return to racing despite recurring back pain at the Tour of Guangxi is sparking intense debates among cycling enthusiasts everywhere – and trust me, you won't want to miss the heart of this gripping story.
Just three days after he was forced to drop out of Il Lombardia because of a familiar back injury flaring up again, Mattias Skjelmose couldn't suppress a chuckle when questioned about his reasons for lining up at the Tour of Guangxi for Lidl-Trek, right as the WorldTour season wraps up its global journey.
The starting lineup in China tends to be a fascinating blend of powerhouse sprinters who thrive on flat-out speed, emerging climbers testing their limits on hills, and a good number of riders either winding down their careers or chasing contract renewals with standout performances. For beginners in cycling, think of it like a grand finale where veterans share the stage with fresh talents, all vying for glory before the season officially ends.
But a rider with Skjelmose's elite pedigree – who sits in a select group of cyclists to have outmaneuvered superstars like Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel in the same race this year – stands out as quite the anomaly on the Guangxi roster. Especially considering that a herniated disc in his back, the same issue that cut his season short recently, is plaguing him once more. To clarify for those new to the sport, a herniated disc involves a spinal cushion slipping out of place, causing nerve pain that can make pedaling excruciating – yet here he is, ready to compete.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite the odds, he's lining up as one of the general classification favorites, rubbing shoulders with top contenders like Jhonatan Narváez from UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Cian Uijtdebroeks of Visma-Lease a Bike. Still, when it comes to his confidence in clinching the red jersey? He's not holding his breath. It's a reminder that even champions face uncertainty, adding an extra layer of drama to the race.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is putting team loyalty above personal health the right call in professional cycling, especially with injuries like this? Some fans argue it's the ultimate show of dedication, while others worry it could lead to long-term damage, prioritizing short-term gains over sustainable careers. Think about it – should teams demand such sacrifices, or should riders have more say in protecting their bodies?
Racing in Guangxi isn't everyone's cup of tea, given the extensive travel required and the way it stretches the European season into a late East Asian event. In fact, Skjelmose's soon-to-be teammate, Juan Ayuso, cleverly maneuvered his way out of this obligation by dominating two stages at the Vuelta a España, securing his spot elsewhere. This strategy highlights how smart racing can sometimes trump sheer endurance, offering a counterpoint to Skjelmose's situation.
As Skjelmose himself put it, 'Also – I mean, now it's a bit unlikely that we can overtake Visma – but at some point, it was really close to fighting for second place in the [UCI] team ranking, and that would have meant a lot to us, so I think that was the reason for it.' For context, the UCI team ranking is like a league table for teams, where top positions bring prestige, funding, and more invitations to big races – so every point matters, and Skjelmose's participation here is a calculated gamble to boost Lidl-Trek's standing.
James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined Cyclingnews as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur, and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team, he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d’Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport’s top riders, including Chloé Dygert, Lizzie Deignan, and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports – rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.
What do you think? Is Skjelmose's decision to race through pain a heroic stand or a risky gamble that could set a dangerous precedent in cycling? Do you agree with the team rankings being a priority over rider health, or should there be stricter rules? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear your take and see if we can spark a lively discussion!
