Mattias Skjelmose, a rising star in professional cycling, is not just making headlines with his performance in the Tour de France; he is also captivating audiences with his eye-catching nose strips. Currently representing Lidl-Trek, the Danish rider finds himself in 15th place for the General Classification (GC), trailing the yellow jersey holder Ben Healy of EF Education-EasyPost by a substantial margin of 7 minutes and 2 seconds. However, what sets Skjelmose apart from his competitors is his unique, and often colorful, approach to this cycling accessory. Notably, he has impressed spectators and fans alike with thematic designs, including a patriotic tricolor strip for Bastille Day, to add flair to his racing persona.
In the world of competitive cycling, nose strips have a practical application, primarily serving to improve respiratory efficiency during races. Yet, for Skjelmose, these strips evolve into more than mere tools; they become canvases for his creativity and expression. While he shares the spotlight with notable cyclists like Jonas Vingegaard and Matteo Jorgenson—who donned bright pink strips in Stage 10 to celebrate Simon Yates’ Giro d’Italia victory—Skjelmose stands out as a leader in nasal fashion.
Beyond his budding reputation as a fashion icon, Skjelmose’s prowess as a cyclist is formidable. Earlier this year, he astonished sports fans by claiming victory at the Amstel Gold Race, defeating strong contenders such as Tadej Pogacar from UAE Emirates-XRG and Remco Evenepoel of Soudal Quick-Step. Additionally, he earned the coveted best young rider jersey during the previous year’s Vuelta a España, showcasing his exceptional talent and competitive spirit. Now, alongside his athletic achievements, Skjelmose brings flair to his nostrils, captivating audiences with every stage of the race.
To appreciate the creativity Skjelmose brings to the Tour, let’s explore some of his most remarkable nose strip designs encountered throughout the opening races.
**Stage 1 – Ultimate Company Man**: Skjelmose kicked off the Tour in Lille donning a bold Lidl-branded nose strip, showcasing the pride he carries for his sponsor.
**Stage 3 – Watermelon Sugar**: In a nod to the latest fashion trends, the young rider sported a whimsical watermelon polka dot strip on Stage 3, signaling his status as a trendsetter in the cycling world.
**Stage 4 – Bunnies**: At first glance, the strip appeared to be a typical design. However, a closer inspection revealed adorable cartoon bunnies hiding on either side, adding a delightful quirkiness to his racing attire.
**Stage 6 – Jersey Tribute**: During a challenging ride into Normandy, Skjelmose artfully incorporated all four Tour jerseys—yellow, green, polka dot, and white—into a stunning, multicolored tribute, leaving fans in awe of his creativity.
**Stage 7 – Croissants Galore**: The iconic French pastry made an appearance on Skjelmose’s design on Stage 7, representing a symbol of French culture that, although not on the national flag, was certainly recognized by the cycling community.
**Stage 8 – Ultimate Company Man II**: Not wanting to be a one-hit wonder, Skjelmose seized the opportunity to once again pay homage to his sponsor, sporting an even louder Lidl tribute in a return display of brand loyalty.
**Stage 9 – The Yellow Nosey**: In a clever twist, Skjelmose inscribed “Tour de France” in bold black ink on his yellow nose strip, blending branding with character and humor.
**Stage 10 – Bastille Day Special**: Marking France’s national holiday, he embraced tranquility and patriotism with a vibrant tricolor nose strip, accented by the date 14-07, commemorating the historical event of the storming of the Bastille.
As the Tour de France progresses, racing enthusiasts are left pondering what innovative designs Mattias Skjelmose will unleash next. With the impact of the race still unfolding, viewers can delight in his humorous and imaginative contributions while following the action on TNT Sports and discovery+.
