On May 10, 2025, the Giro d'Italia kicked off its second day with an exhilarating 13.7-kilometer individual time trial in the Albanian capital of Tirana. The event, which began at 13:25, was filled with suspense as riders navigated a relatively flat course punctuated by a steep 1.2-kilometer climb averaging 5.7% gradient midway through. Fans eagerly anticipated whether Wout van Aert could seize the pink jersey from Mads Pedersen, but the day ultimately belonged to Joshua Tarling of INEOS Grenadiers.
Tarling emerged victorious, clocking a time that narrowly edged out Primoz Roglic of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. Roglic finished just one second behind, securing the pink jersey in the process. The time trial was characterized by a nail-biting contest, where seconds made all the difference. Early on, Daan Hoole (Lidl-Trek), Edoardo Affini (Visma | Lease a Bike), and Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) set the pace, with each rider posting impressive times.
As the time trial unfolded, it was clear that the competition was fierce. In the first hour, Hoole, Affini, and Vine battled for the top positions, showcasing their time-trialing prowess. By the time Tarling took to the course, he had his sights set on the top time. "I felt strong throughout the ride, and I knew I had to push on that climb to make up time," Tarling said after his win.
The tension heightened as the clock ticked down and Roglic, a seasoned contender, approached the finish line. Despite his efforts, he could not surpass Tarling's time. "I gave it my all, but Joshua was just a bit quicker today," Roglic remarked, acknowledging his rival's performance.
Wout van Aert, expected to be a major contender, struggled to find his rhythm during the time trial. He was unable to match the times of his competitors and ultimately fell short of expectations. "It wasn't my best day on the bike, and I couldn't find the power I needed," van Aert admitted, reflecting on his performance.
Meanwhile, Mads Pedersen, who started the day in the pink jersey, faced a challenging ride. Although he managed to stay competitive, he ultimately lost the jersey to Roglic by a slim margin. "I fought hard, but I just couldn't hold on to the lead," Pedersen said, showing sportsmanship in defeat.
The results of the time trial were a testament to the skill and determination of the riders. The top five finishers were as follows: 1. Joshua Tarling, 2. Primoz Roglic, 3. Edoardo Affini in 16'13", 4. Daan Hoole, 5. Ethan Hayter, with Hoole finishing just two seconds behind Affini. These results set the stage for an exciting Giro d'Italia ahead.
As the riders prepare for the next leg of the race, the competition promises to heat up. With Roglic now in possession of the pink jersey, all eyes will be on him as he defends his lead against fierce challengers like Tarling and van Aert. The Giro continues to captivate cycling fans worldwide, and the drama of the time trial has only added to the anticipation for the upcoming stages.
Fans can look forward to more thrilling action as the Giro d'Italia unfolds, with each stage presenting new challenges and opportunities for the riders to showcase their talents. The second day's time trial in Tirana has set a high bar, and the competition is far from over.
