The 2025 Giro d’Italia kicked off on May 9, 2025, marking a historic moment as the race commenced in Albania for the first time. The opening stage featured a challenging 160-kilometer route from Durrës to Tirana, culminating in an exhilarating sprint finish that saw Denmark’s Mads Pedersen claim the coveted pink jersey.

Key Takeaways

  • Mads Pedersen won the opening stage, securing the first pink jersey of the Giro d’Italia 2025.
  • The stage covered 160 kilometers with significant elevation changes, including the Gracen Pass and Surrel climb.
  • Overall contender Mikel Landa suffered a crash and was forced to abandon the race.
  • The next stage will be a 13.7-kilometer individual time trial in Tirana.

Historic Start In Albania

The 108th edition of the Giro d’Italia began with a unique twist, as Albania hosted the opening stages. This initiative aims to promote tourism in the region while showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes and challenging terrain. The race began in the port city of Durrës, with riders navigating through hilly routes before reaching the capital, Tirana.

Stage Highlights

  • Distance: 160 kilometers
  • Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,800 meters
  • Key Climbs: Gracen Pass (13.5 km at 5.2% gradient) and Surrel (6.9 km at 4.6% gradient)
  • Sprint Points: Located at Paper (57.9 km) and Elbasan (67 km)

The stage was characterized by a mix of flat and hilly sections, with the first major climb occurring at the Gracen Pass. As the riders approached Tirana, the final circuit included two laps over the steep Surrel climb, which proved decisive in the sprint finish.

Mads Pedersen’s Victory

Mads Pedersen, riding for Lidl-Trek, narrowly defeated Wout van Aert in a thrilling sprint finish, crossing the line just ahead of the Belgian rider. This victory marked Pedersen’s second career stage win in the Giro, and he expressed his excitement about wearing the pink jersey for the first time in a Grand Tour.

"To top it off with the pink jersey is absolutely amazing. It’s my first leader’s jersey in a Grand Tour," Pedersen stated after his victory.

A Tough Day For Contenders

The opening stage was not without its challenges. Mikel Landa, a key contender for the overall title, crashed near the end of the stage and was taken away on a stretcher. The Soudal Quick-Step team later confirmed that Landa had fractured a vertebra, forcing him to withdraw from the race.

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Looking Ahead

The Giro d’Italia continues with Stage 2, a 13.7-kilometer individual time trial in Tirana, set to test the riders’ speed and time-trialing abilities. This stage is crucial for establishing the overall standings early in the race, with favorites like Primoz Roglic and Juan Ayuso expected to perform well.

As the race progresses, the competitors will face a variety of terrains, including flat stages and challenging mountain climbs, culminating in a grand finale in Rome on June 1, 2025. The excitement surrounding the Giro d’Italia 2025 is palpable, with fans eager to witness the unfolding drama and athletic prowess of the world’s best cyclists.

Sources

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