Wout van Aert looks forward with 'confidence' after comeback win at Tour of Denmark as Rasmus Sojberg Pedersen takes final stage after heavy crash
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Published 02/08/2026 at 18:43 GMT+1
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Wout van Aert spoke of his relief after securing overall victory at the Tour of Denmark, with the Belgian safely navigating a chaotic final stage that was overshadowed by a heavy crash in the closing metres.
'A show of strength!' - Van Aert seals hat-trick with victory on Stage 3
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Van Aert's overriding emotion at completing the final stage safely reflected the importance of the result. After a week of strong performances, the Team Visma-Lease a Bike rider could celebrate not only another victory but also a confident return to racing.
Van Aert successfully defended his leader's jersey in Rodovre on Sunday to claim the general classification title, completing a dominant week in Denmark after winning the opening three stages.
While he crossed the finish line outside the top 10 on the last stage and did not contest the final sprint, the result was enough to confirm his overall victory.
"I don't get many opportunities to race for an overall classification," said Van Aert, who was racing for the first time since early June after withdrawing from the 2026 Tour de France because of a right elbow injury.
"That's why I'm really happy to experience this again. It's a great way to wrap up the week."
The final stage, a 126km ride from Koge to Rodovre, appeared destined for another bunch sprint after the peloton controlled several early attacks.
The flat route offered little opportunity for a breakaway to succeed, with sprint teams keeping the race together before the expected showdown.
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Wout Van Aert celebrates on the podium next to second placed Lukas Kubis and third placed Henrik Breiner Pedersen
Image credit: Getty Images
Visma focused on protecting Van Aert's advantage throughout the day, keeping the 31-year-old out of danger while also attempting to set up a possible sprint opportunity for their leader.
However, the finale was disrupted when a major crash occurred approximately 250 metres from the finish. Several riders were brought down after the incident on the right side of the peloton, with some crashing into the barriers as the sprint formation reached its most intense point.
Van Aert avoided the incident, as did most of the leading contenders, allowing him to complete the stage safely and secure the overall victory.
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Rasmus Sojberg Pedersen claimed victory on Stage 5
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Rasmus Sojberg Pedersen capitalised on the chaotic finish to take the stage win, beating Maximilian Walscheid and Tom Crabbe in the sprint.
Although Van Aert did not challenge for the final stage victory, he said that his priority was ensuring he reached the finish safely with the leader's jersey intact.
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"We really wanted to make something of today," the Belgian explained. "We needed the whole team to bring it back for a sprint.
"I was disappointed to get boxed in and not have the chance to sprint. In the end, I'm just happy to make it to the finish safely and keep the jersey, although I would have loved to fight for a result today.
"In any case, it has shown me that my legs are good and that I can continue working with confidence towards my next goal. I could not have come out of this period without racing in a better way."
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Van Aert spoke of his relief at avoiding injury in the final stage
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The Tour of Denmark title represented a significant achievement for Van Aert following a difficult period earlier in the season.
Before missing the Tour de France he also abandoned the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes due to an elbow issue.
His victory also provided momentum before the next major targets on his calendar, with Van Aert set to compete at the Vuelta a Espana starting on August 22 before turning his attention towards the World Championships in Quebec at the end of September.
For Visma, the race was a complete success. The team finished the week with the overall title, the green points jersey and three stage victories, while Christophe Laporte finished fourth overall.
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