Mads Pedersen’s 2026 season has begun with a setback after the former world champion crashed out of his opening race at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. He will undergo surgery following injuries sustained in the incident, with his team prioritising a full recovery rather than setting a return date.
The race itself has been disrupted by extreme weather, with organisers ruling that Stage 2’s individual time trial would not count towards the general classification. Heavy rain and strong winds raised safety concerns and created unfair conditions, prompting officials to protect riders and preserve competitive balance.
In New Zealand, Finn Fisher-Black defended his elite men’s time trial title at the national championships, while Ella Wyllie claimed the women’s crown. Both riders delivered composed, powerful performances, underlining New Zealand’s strength in time trial racing.
