For the first time in its 108-year history, the Giro d’Italia began on Albanian soil, marking a historic moment not only for the race itself but also for the country hosting the Grand Start. The opening stage of this year’s Giro unfolded today with a 160-kilometer race from the coastal city of Durrës to the capital, Tirana.
Danish cyclist Mads Pedersen emerged victorious in a tightly contested sprint finish, clocking in at 3 hours, 36 minutes, and 14 seconds. With this win, Pedersen not only secured the stage but also claimed the coveted pink jersey, worn by the overall leader of the race.
The stage was decided by a dramatic photo finish, with Pedersen edging out Belgian rider Wout van Aert by just 0.04 seconds. Close behind were Orluis Aular, Francesco Busatto, and Thomas Pidcock, among others who completed the top placements.
However, the excitement of the day was marred by a serious crash near the Fresku area in the final kilometers. Several riders were involved, including Spanish favorite Mikel Landa, who had to be stretchered off the course and transported for medical care. Broadcast footage suggested he may require specialized hospital treatment.
The race began at 1:00 PM in Durrës, featuring 65 kilometers of flat terrain before tackling the challenging climbs of Gracen and Surrel, where gradients reached as steep as 13%. The final segment included a sharp descent from Surrel and concluded on a flat finish in Tirana.
At exactly 5:12 PM, the cyclists crossed the finish line on "Dëshmorët e Kombit" Boulevard, with the grand stage finale taking place in front of the Palace of Congresses, marking a memorable end to Stage One.
The Giro continues on Saturday with the Second Stage, a time trial within Tirana. The Third Stage on May 11 will shift the action to the southern city of Vlorë, featuring one of the most demanding climbs of the edition—Llogara Pass.
Would you like a timeline or map of the three Albanian stages as well?