Team Roskilde Jr. | Worlds Time
Once a year, the future stars of cycling compete to don the iconic rainbow stripes at the Junior World Championship. This year, the battle was set on the streets of Glasgow. Nine laps totaling 127 km, featuring sharp turns and steep hills – a delight for explosive puncheurs, a pain for the rest.
154 riders were at the starting line, including five riders from Denmark — two of them from Team NPV Carl Ras Roskilde Junior: Theodor Storm and Patrick Frydkjær. They, along with Albert Philipsen, Theodor Clemmesen, and Andreas Krogh Jensen, were representing the Danish national team.
Both Theodor Storm and Patrick Frydkjær have made their mark throughout the season, winning races both domestically and internationally. Theodor Storm's second-place finish at the Danish championships showcased his good form and determination after what he calls a tactical mistake that awarded the talented Albert Phillipsen the Danish championship. And that wasn't Albert Phillipsen's only national championship – he's also the Danish Junior champion in MTB, CX, and ITT.
Theodor Storm and Albert Phillipsen were among the frontrunners right from the start in Glasgow. They remained at the forefront and broke away with 90 km to go, accompanied by five other escapees. The larger teams attempted to pull in the strong breakaway group, but without success. With approximately one lap to go, Albert Phillipsen launched an attack after a beautiful setup by Theodor Storm, who realized his body wasn't ready for the top spot on the podium. Albert Phillipsen rode solo to victory with a lead of 1:19 over Paul Fietzke from Germany and Felix Ørn-Kristoff from Norway. Theodor Storm secured a respectable fifth place. Unfortunately, Patrick Frydkjær had to withdraw from the race.
After the race, we had a chat with the two Danish national team riders about their experiences in Glasgow.
A18: How do you feel now that the World Championships are over?
Theodor: I'm incredibly content with the race. While I had hoped to be the one wearing the rainbow stripes, what mattered most was that a fellow Dane claimed the honor. Albert displayed remarkable strength that day and persevered through cramps in the final stretch, underscoring that we were rallying behind him. I take immense pride in my contribution to our achieved result, and above all, in how the entire team collaborated seamlessly to clinch the victory – a testament to genuine teamwork. Our aggressive riding strategy was meticulously planned and flawlessly executed.
Patrick: I'm super disappointed that I had to drop out of the race, but I had such intense pain in my back, which was completely locked up. I had to realize that I couldn't make it to the finish line with my pain, which intensified with each pedal stroke. I could barely stand upright when I got off the bike.
Rasmus Storm (Team Manager, Team NPV Carl Ras Roskilde Junior): Albert's performance was exceptionally robust. Undoubtedly the strongest rider of the day. The team's dedication was outstanding, and Theodor gave his all to secure an impressive 5th place. Denmark clearly emerged as the dominant nation in the race.
"I'm incredibly content with the race. While I had hoped to be the one wearing the rainbow stripes, what mattered most was that a fellow Dane claimed the honor."
- Theodor Storm
A18: Albert Phillipsen seemed exceptional as he pulled away in the final lap. He also beat you (Theodor) at the Danish Championships. Is he something truly special?
Theodor: Albert is an incredibly talented cyclist. At the Danish Championships, I actually thought I had a chance, but I made a small mistake in that moment; he took off, and it cost me the opportunity. During these World Championships, he was on a different level compared to everyone else, which was evident in the way he rode. In fact, I told him when we had 60km to go that he would win because he was just flying.
Patrick: I think it's awesome that Albert won. It was fantastic that he could ride home alone like that. Our goal was to ride as a team and to win. I think we convincingly succeeded in both aspects.
"At these World Championships, Albert was on a different level compared to everyone else, which was evident in the way he rode ... he was just flying."
- Theodor Storm
A18: On a route that was almost like a criterium, how did the SUM Pro perform for you?
Theodor: The bike was perfect for the World Championships route, as it could handle the turns and was also lightweight and stiff for the hills. Overall, I'm really satisfied with the combination of the Scope wheels and the bike.
Patrick: The SUM Pro was a great bike on a route like this. It handles really well both going into and coming out of the corners, where it's stable and easily maintains high speed.
"It handles really well both going into and coming out of the corners, where it's stable and easily maintains high speed."
- Patrick Frydkjær
Big congratulations to the Danish boys - and especially to Albert Phillipsen, who can now call himself a world champion...!
Photos: Peter Ebro
