In an exhilarating start to the Giro d’Italia on Friday, former world champion Mads Pedersen clinched victory in the opening stage, edging out top contender Wout van Aert in a thrilling sprint finish. The race, intrinsically unique this year, commenced in Tirana, Albania, marking the first time the renowned cycling event has launched in this country.
Pedersen, representing the Lidl-Trek team, showcased his prowess over the challenging 160-kilometer (99-mile) course that traversed from Durrës to Tirana, characterized by its flat conclusion. The 2019 world titleholder achieved this narrow win by the slightest of margins, finishing barely half a wheel ahead of his formidable competitor Van Aert. This triumph represents Pedersen’s second career stage win in the Giro, with his previous success in Naples two years prior.
Following close behind in third position was Venezuelan cyclist Orluis Aular, adding yet another layer to the competitive narrative of the stage.
As the Giro d’Italia unfolds, the race is set to stay within Albanian terrain over the next two days. Saturday’s Stage 2 presents a 13.7-kilometer individual time trial, also in Tirana, providing a critical battleground for overall contenders such as Primoz Roglic and Juan Ayuso to make their mark.
The esteemed three-week Grand Tour will soon continue its journey back to Italy, arriving in Puglia for Stage 4. This transition across the Adriatic Sea signposts the event’s return to familiar territory, with the entire race culminating in Rome come June 1.