Van Aert sprints to second place in hard opening stage of Giro d’Italia
The Grande Partenza of the 108th Giro d’Italia took place in Albania. The riders faced a 160-kilometer opening stage between Durrës and the capital, Tirana. Five riders formed the breakaway after the start, but Team Visma | Lease a Bike controlled the pace in the peloton, giving the escapees little breathing room.
With 40 kilometers to go, the breakaway was caught. The finale featured a double ascent of the Surrel climb, a seven-kilometer long hill. On the first ascent, the pace immediately increased, and several sprinters – including Olav Kooij – were dropped from the peloton.
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The same scenario unfolded on the second ascent of the Surrel. Lidl-Trek upped the tempo, putting pressure on their rivals. Near the summit, Van Aert – who had fallen ill in the lead-up to the Giro and came in with limited preparation – appeared to struggle but managed to hang on. With help from teammate Wilco Kelderman, he regained his position at the front. A reduced peloton then made its way to the finish in Tirana, where Van Aert had to trail Pedersen in the sprint.
“I didn’t expect this result, especially after the last few days”
Wout van Aert
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Van Aert was pleasantly surprised by his second-place finish. “I didn’t expect this result, especially after the last few days,” he commented afterward. “I told my teammates it was possible, even though I wasn’t sure myself. I didn’t feel great during the race. On the final climb, I was on my limit and had to give everything just to follow. That’s why I have to be pleased with second place. Unfortunately, I just missed out on overtaking Pedersen in the sprint, he was very strong again today.”
Tomorrow features a short individual time trial in Tirana. The race against the clock is 13.7 kilometers long and includes a short climb. Van Aert sees a new opportunity to aim for the pink jersey. “You don’t get many chances to wear the maglia rosa, so I’ll definitely go for it again. I’m in a great position heading into the time trial, so let’s see what’s possible tomorrow,” Van Aert concluded.
🇮🇹 #GirodItalia“A better result than expected.” 💪Your moment will come, Wout. 💛 pic.twitter.com/9pZOUqNLMn— Team Visma | Lease a Bike (@vismaleaseabike) May 9, 2025
Giro d’Italia
Stage 1
Result
Rankings
Result
1
Mads Pedersen
Lidl – Trek
03:36:24
2
Wout van Aert
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:00:00
3
Orluis Aular
Movistar Team
+00:00:00
21
Simon Yates
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:00:00
32
Wilco Kelderman
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:00:00
122
Dylan van Baarle
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:09:41
130
Steven Kruijswijk
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:10:37
140
Edoardo Affini
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:12:23
146
Bart Lemmen
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:12:23
161
Olav Kooij
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:13:15
Rankings
1
Mads Pedersen
Lidl – Trek
03:36:14
2
Wout van Aert
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:00:04
3
Orluis Aular
Movistar Team
+00:00:06
21
Simon Yates
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:00:10
32
Wilco Kelderman
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:00:10
122
Dylan van Baarle
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:09:51
130
Steven Kruijswijk
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:10:47
140
Edoardo Affini
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:12:33
146
Bart Lemmen
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:12:33
161
Olav Kooij
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
+00:13:25
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Subjects
Cycling – World Tour men
Wout van Aert
1
Giro d’Italia
