Another podium finish for Wout van Aert, who yesterday in the first stage of the Giro d'Italia had to settle for second place behind Mads Pedersen, who thus conquered the first pink jersey of the race. The Belgian is not disappointed and, considering the virus that has troubled him in recent weeks, this placement is considered a good result. "Two weeks ago I would have been very disappointed, but now I have to be satisfied with this result. On the last climb it was a real challenge, I barely managed to survive. This was the result I could achieve in the sprint. I was really at the limit on the climb".

Lidl-Trek did an excellent team job for Pedersen and their intent was to put Visma-Lease a Bike in difficulty, which they succeeded in doing. "Fortunately my teammates were fantastic all day. Wilco Kelderman's last effort was really necessary to show the rest of the group that I was still in the race".

Today there will be an individual time trial of 13.7 kilometers with start and finish in Tirana and Van Aert will be the favorite not only for the victory but also to become the overall classification leader.

"Actually, I haven't yet thought about the victory and the pink jersey. Of course, I will have a good starting position, so I hope everything can work out. Yesterday's stage was definitely well above my expectations. I didn't feel great during the stage, but I also know that there won't be many opportunities to win the pink jersey, so that's why I really cared about today. I only managed to finish second, and that's a shame".

Regarding the riders to watch, Roglic will start at 16:14, then at 16:44 it will be Tom Pidcock's turn, while Wout van Aert will begin his trial at 16:53. The pink jersey, Mads Pedersen, will start at 16:56.

"Last night we said 'let's let this result sink in and we'll try again tomorrow'. I hope everything works out, but we must consider that both the rider who will start before me and the one who comes after have a good time trial, so it won't be easy to win".