Mads Pedersen Sprints to Victory in Giro d'Italia Opener

Denmark's former world champion, Mads Pedersen, showcased his sprinting prowess by clinching the opening stage of the Giro d'Italia in Tirana on Friday. The cyclist from Lidl-Trek team executed a perfectly timed sprint to fend off a strong challenge from Belgium's Wout van Aert.

Pedersen's teammates played a crucial role in positioning him ideally for the climatic sprint in the Albanian capital, enabling him to don the prestigious overall leader's pink jersey as onlookers cheered the thrilling finish.

Venezuela's Orluis Aular from Movistar rounded off the podium, taking third place in what promises to be an exciting edition of the race this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)