I’ve followed cycling long enough to recognize when a young rider isn’t just another name on the roster but someone capable of reshaping the sport. Mattias Skjelmose is one of those rare talenMattias Skjelmosets. At just 25, the Danish rider has already made his mark on some of cycling’s biggest stages, combining raw ability with relentless determination. From breakthrough victories to emerging as a team leader, his journey reflects grit, growth, and enormous potential.
Who Is Mattias Skjelmose and Why Is He a Big Deal?
Born on September 26, 2000, in Denmark, Mattias Skjelmose Jensen is a professional road cyclist for UCI WorldTeam Lidl-Trek. Known for his versatility and resilience, he has quickly evolved from a promising prospect into a serious general classification (GC) contender.
Skjelmose isn’t just another talented rider — he’s a well-rounded cyclist who excels in stage races and one-day classics. His rapid rise through the ranks is proof of his talent and adaptability, two qualities essential for success in modern professional cycling.
Career Milestones That Define Mattias Skjelmose’s Rise
Image source: Cycling News
In just a few seasons, Mattias Skjelmose has compiled an impressive list of results that signal a long and successful career ahead. Here’s a breakdown of his major achievements so far:
| Year | Race/Event | Result | Notes |
| 2025 | Amstel Gold Race | Winner | Breakthrough classic victory |
| 2025 | Tour de Luxembourg | 2nd Overall | Also won Youth Classification |
| 2025 | Vuelta a España | 5th Overall | Won Youth Classification |
| 2025 | World Championship RR | 4th Place | Strong finish in elite field |
| 2025 | Tour de France | Abandoned | Crash led to withdrawal |
| 2024 | Vuelta a España | 5th Overall | Won Youth Classification |
| 2023 | Tour de Suisse | Winner | First major stage race win |
These results highlight his consistency and steady climb. Winning the Tour de Suisse in 2023 was the moment he arrived on the world stage, while his Amstel Gold Race victory in 2025 cemented his reputation as one of the most versatile riders of his generation.
What Makes Mattias Skjelmose Stand Out From the Pack?
Modern cycling rewards riders who can do a bit of everything, and Mattias Skjelmose fits that profile perfectly. His mix of physical ability, mental toughness, and tactical intelligence separates him from most of his peers.
Consistency Across Seasons and Races
Skjelmose isn’t a one-race wonder. He delivers results across the calendar, showing that he can peak for key events and remain competitive throughout the season. His back-to-back top-five finishes at the Vuelta a España in 2024 and 2025 prove he can handle the demands of three-week Grand Tours.
Tactical Intelligence in High-Stakes Races
Cycling is as much about strategy as strength. Skjelmose’s Amstel Gold Race win was a perfect example of his race awareness — he timed his moves flawlessly, reading the race dynamics like a seasoned pro.
Resilience After Setbacks
Crashing out of the 2025 Tour de France could have derailed his momentum. Instead, he came back stronger, finishing 4th at the World Championships and reinforcing his mental toughness — a key trait of champions.
How Mattias Skjelmose Has Evolved Into a Team Leader
Image source: Cycling News
One of the most significant developments in his career is his rise to leadership at Lidl-Trek. Skjelmose is now central to the team’s GC ambitions, with strategies often built around his strengths in major stage races.
Leadership brings pressure, and Skjelmose hasn’t shied away from it. Recently, he sparked discussion by expressing concerns over Lidl-Trek’s signing of Juan Ayuso, another GC hopeful. His comments revealed his fierce competitive spirit and desire to remain the team’s focal point. How the team balances the ambitions of two leaders will shape the next chapter of his career — and Skjelmose is determined to stay at the forefront.
How Mattias Skjelmose Compares to the New Generation of GC Contenders
Cycling’s current generation is stacked with young stars, but Mattias Skjelmose is right in the mix. Here’s how he stacks up against some of the most talked-about names in the sport:
| Rider | Age | Grand Tour Best Result | Monument Wins | Key Strength |
| Mattias Skjelmose | 25 | 5th (Vuelta a España) | Amstel Gold Race (2025) | All-round versatility |
| Remco Evenepoel | 25 | 1st (Vuelta a España 2022) | Liège–Bastogne–Liège (x2) | Time trial + punchy climbs |
| Juan Ayuso | 22 | 3rd (Vuelta a España 2022) | — | Explosive climbing |
| Tadej Pogačar | 27 | 1st (Tour de France x2) | Multiple monuments | All-terrain dominance |
While Skjelmose hasn’t reached a Grand Tour podium yet, his trajectory suggests it’s coming. His repeated top-five finishes and ability to compete across terrains place him firmly among cycling’s elite.
How He Overcame His Tour de France Setback
The 2025 Tour de France was supposed to be a defining moment, but a crash forced Skjelmose to abandon the race with an arm injury. Many riders would need months to recover mentally and physically. Skjelmose, however, returned to competition quickly and delivered strong performances, including a 4th place at the World Championships.
That comeback wasn’t just about fitness — it was a testament to his mindset. His response to adversity showed he’s built for the long haul, capable of turning setbacks into fuel for future success.
What the Future Holds for Mattias Skjelmose
Image source: Cycling News
At 25, Skjelmose is entering the prime years of his career. The next steps are clear — and entirely within reach:
- Grand Tour Podium: After two fifth-place finishes at the Vuelta, he’s poised to step onto the podium.
- More Stage Race Wins: Victories like the Tour de Suisse show he’s capable of dominating week-long races.
- More Monument Success: Building on his Amstel Gold Race win, he’ll aim for other major one-day races to solidify his legacy.
The foundation is already there. Now, it’s about refining his strengths and seizing opportunities at cycling’s biggest events.
FAQs About Mattias Skjelmose
Which team does Mattias Skjelmose ride for?
He rides for UCI WorldTeam Lidl-Trek, where he serves as a general classification leader and a central figure in the team’s stage race strategies.
What are the biggest achievements of Mattias Skjelmose?
His career highlights include winning the 2023 Tour de Suisse, claiming the 2025 Amstel Gold Race, and securing the youth classification at the Vuelta a España in both 2024 and 2025.
Has Mattias Skjelmose raced in the Tour de France?
Yes. He started the 2025 Tour de France but was forced to abandon due to a crash. Despite this, he returned to top form later in the season.
How old is Mattias Skjelmose in 2025?
He was born on September 26, 2000, making him 25 years old as of 2025.
Why Mattias Skjelmose Is One to Watch in the Coming Years
When I think about the next generation of cyclists shaping the future of the sport, Mattias Skjelmose is always near the top of the list. He’s already proven he can win major races, challenge for Grand Tour standings, and lead one of cycling’s most respected teams. More importantly, he’s still improving — a sign that his best is yet to come.
As Lidl-Trek refines its GC strategy and integrates new talent like Juan Ayuso, Skjelmose’s hunger to lead and succeed will only grow. And if his trajectory continues, we won’t just be talking about top-five finishes — we’ll be discussing his name alongside Grand Tour champions and monument legends.
