Pedersen edges Van Aert to claim Giro d’Italia’s opening stage in Albania
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Mads Pedersen narrowly defeated Wout van Aert in a final sprint to win the opening stage of the Giro d’Italia on Friday, claiming the first “maglia rosa” (pink jersey) of this year’s race, which began in Albania for the first time ever.
Pedersen, the 2019 world champion and Lidl-Trek rider, edged out Van Aert by half a wheel in the 160-kilometer (99-mile) hilly stage from Durrës to Tirana, which concluded with a flat finish. Venezuela’s Orluis Aular (Movistar) finished third.
“Today we had a clear plan, and the team was really astonishing in imposing such a strong pace on the climb. That was exactly what we wanted. We made a plan and fulfilled the plan,” Pedersen stated, commenting on how his team set the pace on the final third-category climb.
The victory marks the second Giro stage win for the Danish cyclist, who also won in Naples two years ago.
Pedersen’s palmarès also includes two stage wins in the Tour de France and three in the Vuelta a España,highlighting his versatility across Grand Tours.
“To crown this with the maglia rosa is absolutely incredible,” Pedersen expressed. “It’s my first leader’s jersey in a Grand tour.”
The race will remain in Albania for two more days. The second stage on Saturday is a 13.7-kilometer individual time trial in tirana, set to challenge general classification contenders such as Primoz Roglic and Juan Ayuso.
The three-week grand Tour will then return to Italy for the fourth stage in Puglia, directly across the Adriatic Sea from Albania. The Giro is scheduled to conclude in Rome on June 1.
Given Pedersen’s previous stage win experience in other Grand Tours, how might this giro d’Italia victory differ in terms of its impact on his overall race strategy and ambitions?
Giro d’Italia Opening Stage: Your Questions Answered
Based on the article “Pedersen edges Van Aert to claim Giro d’Italia’s opening stage in Albania,” here’s a speedy guide to what happened and what it means:
Q&A
Q: Who won the opening stage of the Giro d’Italia?
A: Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) won the first stage, edging out Wout van Aert in a sprint finish.
Q: What is the “maglia rosa” and why is it vital?
A: The “maglia rosa” is the pink jersey, worn by the leader of the general classification (overall race). Pedersen now wears it, meaning he’s the overall leader after the first stage.
Q: were and what was the first stage?
A: The first stage was a 160-kilometer (99-mile) hilly stage from Durrës to Tirana, Albania. It concluded with a flat finish that favored sprinters.
Q: What did Pedersen say about his victory?
A: Pedersen highlighted his team’s strategy, stating, “Today we had a clear plan, and the team was really astounding in imposing such a strong pace on the climb. That was exactly what we wanted. We made a plan and fulfilled the plan.” He also called the maglia rosa “absolutely amazing.”
Q: What is Pedersen’s cycling resume prior to this win?
A: Pedersen is the 2019 world champion. He has two Giro stage wins (including this one), two tour de France stage wins, and three Vuelta a España stage wins.
Q: What’s next for the Giro d’italia?
A: The race stays in albania for a 13.7-kilometer individual time trial on Saturday (stage two). The race then heads to Italy. In a time trial, riders race individually against the clock. keep an eye on general classification contenders like Primoz Roglic and Juan Ayuso.
Q: What’s the significance of the Giro d’italia starting in Albania?
A: This is the first time the Giro has started in Albania. The race will then return to Italy for the fourth stage.
Q: When and where does the Giro d’Italia conclude?
A: The Giro d’Italia concludes in Rome on June 1st.
Now you’re up to speed on the Giro d’Italia’s opening stage! Stay tuned for more exciting racing as the race continues!
