Saturday’s stage presents a challenge and an opportunity for the peloton’s time trial specialists. While it’s a relatively short race (13.7 kms) it winds around the urban streets of Tirana, where roads will be narrow and turns will be tight. Mix in a chance of morning showers and a simple, flat course becomes one fraught with danger at every slippery corner. That said, the men who prevailed in the sprint finish of Stage 1 look poised to do so again.
A Quick Recap of Stage 1
On paper, the route was not terribly difficult: one category four climb, followed by an uncategorized climb which the peloton did twice. Any of the true sprinters who could hang with the peloton over the climbs would be in a great position to win the stage and take the first Maglia Rosa of the Giro.
Early on, the Lidl-Trek team of Mads Pedersen (sprinter extraordinaire) controlled the pace, ensuring that he would stay out front. The teams of Primoz Roglic (Bora Hansgrohe) and Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) both contenders for the general classification, fell in just behind.
What we didn’t expect was for top-notch sprinters like Sam Bennett to tire early, falling off the back of the peloton. It was also surprising to see Ineos Grenadiers’ top GC man, Thymen Arensman, lose the pace. By the end of the final climb, even Roglic and his equipe had backed off. It looked to be a fight to the finish between Pedersen and perennial favorite Wout Van Aert of Visma Lease a Bike.
And that’s exactly what we got!
Despite doubts that Van Aert was at full-strength after rehabbing a knee injury incurred at last year’s Giro, he closed the gap on a barreling Pedersen in the final seconds. But it was Pedersen by half a wheel, claiming victory on the day and donning the overall leader’s pink jersey.
On a Sad Note
A terrible crash occurred about 5 kms from the finish line. Several riders were involved but none worse than veteran Mikel Landa from the Soudal Quick-Step squad. Rounding a curve during the final descent, Landa attempted to avoid a crash just ahead, flying head-over-heels onto a sidewalk.
That earned him a trip to the hospital, a fractured vertebra and soon, an early trip home. What a shame! He’s been a world-class rider for years and, at 37 years old, showed up (very) well at the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya. I hope this isn’t the end of the road for him. Fortunately, others involved in the pile-up were able to finish the race.
Wine Suggestion
Unless you’ve managed to find a bottle of Albanian wine, I’d suggest pouring a glass of Seize the Day: a wine that makes you smile and brings you joy. And let’s make a toast to Mikel Landa and his speedy recovery and swift return to racing!
See you soon with more updates!
The Swirling Dervish 