The 2025 Giro d’Italia kicked off in spectacular fashion today, with Denmark’s Mads Pedersen clinching victory in the opening stage held in the vibrant capital of Tirana. The stage, which spanned 160 kilometers from the port city of Durres, featured a challenging hilly route that included a category two climb and a couple of grueling ascents of the category-three Surrel climb.
Pedersen, riding for Lidl-Trek, showcased his tactical prowess and sprinting ability, edging out Belgium’s Wout van Aert in a thrilling finish. This win not only marked Pedersen as the first rider to wear the coveted pink jersey this year but also made him the first Dane to achieve this honor in the Giro’s storied history.
“To win the stage and go into the pink jersey is absolutely amazing, especially after teamwork like this,” Pedersen exclaimed after the race. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Van Aert, saying, “You always have to be afraid of Wout; he’s a really good bike rider. It’s not a given to win when he’s in the group, and you have to handle that with respect and a bit of fear as well. But today I had the legs to finish it off for the team.”
Van Aert, making his Giro d’Italia debut, expressed his disappointment at finishing second. “There are only a few opportunities to take the pink jersey. So that’s why I really wanted to try – on the last climb, I suffered so much to just hang on,” he said, adding, “So it’s a pity to finish second, but it’s still better than expected.”
The race took a tragic turn when Mikel Landa, a three-time stage winner and a strong contender, was forced to abandon after a crash just five kilometers from the finish line. Landa, who had previously finished third overall in 2015 and 2022, was taken from the scene on a stretcher, prompting concern among fans and fellow competitors alike. His team confirmed on social media, “Our rider has been taken to the hospital for investigations after the crash that put an end to his dreams at the Giro.”
In addition to Landa’s misfortune, the opening stage saw several other incidents. Juan Ayuso, a rising star and serious challenger for the overall title, crashed early at a roundabout but fortunately emerged unscathed, finishing safely in the pack alongside race favorite Primoz Roglic. Meanwhile, Derek Gee of Israel-Premier Tech and Thymen Arensman from Ineos Grenadiers lost valuable time due to the day’s relentless pace.
The stage began at approximately 12:30 PM BST and concluded around 4:15 PM, captivating fans with its unpredictable twists and turns. The challenging terrain of the opening day’s route was expected to favor punchy riders, and the presence of two intermediate sprints before the climbs added to the excitement, drawing the fastest riders to the front.
As the race unfolded, it became clear that Pedersen’s team had executed a perfect strategy, positioning him ideally for the final sprint. Orluis Aular from Movistar rounded out the podium, finishing third and showcasing the competitive nature of this year’s Giro.
With Tadej Pogacar absent from this year’s race, the competition for the maglia rosa is wide open. Primoz Roglic, a seasoned veteran, is naturally the favorite, but young talents like Juan Ayuso have made their intentions clear. Ayuso himself stated earlier this week, “It would be a disappointment not to finish in the top three.”
The Giro d’Italia promises to be an exhilarating contest, with strong contenders including Adam Yates, Simon Yates, Michael Storer, Jai Hindley, Richard Carapaz, Antonio Tiberi, Egan Bernal, and Derek Gee all vying for podium positions. With the first stage complete and Pedersen donning the pink jersey, fans can expect thrilling battles in the upcoming stages.
As the race continues, the focus will shift to the next stages, where the climbs will become steeper, and the competition even fiercer. The unpredictability of the Giro d’Italia is part of what makes it one of cycling’s most prestigious events, and this year is shaping up to deliver excitement at every turn.
In the end, the opening stage of the Giro d’Italia not only set the tone for the race but also highlighted the resilience and determination of the riders. With Pedersen’s victory and the unfortunate turn of events for Landa, the stakes have never been higher. As the peloton prepares for the next challenges, fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see who will emerge as the ultimate victor in this year’s Giro d’Italia.
