Pedersen 2nd in Vuelta’s first hectic sprint stage

Stage 2 saw the first sprint of the 2022 Vuelta a Espana, and, as expected for the flat parcours, the fastest legs got their chance. The race played out predictably with the breakaway going early, controlled, and eventually brought back by the teams, including Trek-Segafredo, interested in setting up a man in the fast ending.

In the last crazy kilometers and the battle for every inch of space reaching a crescendo, Dario Cataldo and Alex Kirsch were instrumental in assisting Pedersen.

“Pretty hectic in a technical final,” agreed Pedersen. “Alex (Kirsch) is doing a really, really good job of keeping me out of trouble, and basically, I just have to follow his back wheel and then open the sprint when I think is the right moment.”

Sounds easy. But, of course, it isn’t.

The speed in the bunch was close to 60km/h through roundabouts and tight corners in a technical finish. The riders fight for every small opening, jarring shoulders, yelling – risks us mere mortals would never consider – all to keep or gain frontal positions. Teammates are key. Positioning is everything. Well, almost everything. The team’s designated sprinter still needs to finish it off with a shot of incredible power.

Mads had Alex, all six foot four inches of his savviness to lead him through the craziness. In the final meters, in prime position, Mads launched off his wheel and had nothing but the white line ahead. However, one man had a little bit more.

Sam Bennett spoiled Mads’ chance at his first Vuelta victory, but with 19 stages remaining and the next sprint stage already Sunday, there’s no time to dwell, only time to get ready and try again.

“Next sprint is already tomorrow so let’s hope we can change 2nd place to 1st place,” said Mads. “A perfect job from the whole team today, and it looks well for the rest of the sprint days. The legs responded well from yesterday’s TTT. It’s nice to be back racing after the Tour so I hope for three good weeks.”