The Dane dominates stage 3 in Valona and takes the overall lead from Roglic after a thrilling finish
Mads Pedersen takes center stage at the Giro
The Giro d’Italia 2025 already has a clear front-runner: Mads Pedersen. After securing victory in stage 1, the Danish rider struck again in stage 3, with a powerful sprint finish in Valona, clinching not just the win but also the coveted pink jersey, dethroning Primoz Roglic. New Zealander Corbin Strong finished second, unable to match Pedersen’s raw power in the final meters.
Breakaway drama and high-altitude battles in Albania
The third and final Albanian stage began with an explosive six-man breakaway, featuring Britons Tarling (winner of the Tirana time trial) and Donovan, Italians Germani and Tonelli, Aussie Hamilton, and Belgian De Bondt, who was the first to fall off the pace.
The climb to Qafa e Llogarase provided the main drama of the day, with Fortunato and Pello Bilbao launching serious attacks. Their efforts were short-lived, however, as the peloton regrouped with 18 km to go, setting the stage for a dramatic sprint finish.
Valona sprint showdown: Pedersen unstoppable
Despite several riders attempting late breakaways, the pack remained tight until the finish. In the final straight, Pedersen exploded off the front, overpowering his rivals with a commanding sprint that left no doubt about who’s in charge. Roglic, caught behind, had to give up the pink jersey to the in-form Dane.
What’s next on the road to Rome?
With Albania behind and Italy on the horizon, the Giro is about to enter new territory. Pedersen may be riding high, but the real tests in the mountains are yet to come. Can he defend his jersey, or will the climbers strike back?
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