Mads Pedersen triumphed in the third stage of the Giro d’Italia, showcasing his skills despite unexpected distractions from local wildlife. The pivotal stage, 160 kilometres long and set in Albania, ended with Pedersen confidently clinching victory in a thrilling bunch sprint, outpacing Corbin Strong by a narrow margin. This win marks Pedersen’s second stage victory, allowing him to reclaim the leader’s pink jersey after previously losing it to Primoz Roglic.
Pedersen, representing Lidl-Trek, executed a well-thought-out strategy, emphasizing teamwork and pacing during the challenging climbs. He expressed his satisfaction, stating, “To have two stage victories already and now back in the pink, that’s exactly what we wanted today.” The Danish cyclist now holds a nine-second lead over Roglic and an advantage of 14 seconds over Mathias Vacek as they prepare for the upcoming stages in Italy.
The race, however, had its challenges. Early on, a group of goats unexpectedly crossed the racing route, leading to a collision scare with New Zealand rider Dion Smith. Fortunately, both Smith and the goat emerged unscathed, and Smith later recounted the incident with a light-hearted attitude, saying, “First time for a goat for me.”
As the peloton navigated these surprises, they also faced a last-minute encounter with a dog darting across the course, just a couple of kilometres from the finish. Such unpredictable elements highlight the unique character of this race.
The Giro d’Italia continues with a short transfer to Italy’s Puglia region, where the next stage promises another flat route conducive to sprinters. The race, renowned for its scenic landscapes and competitive spirit, is set to conclude in Rome on June 1.