A day controlled by Lidl-Trek from start to finish ends in another close second place.
From the outset, stage 3 was always marked on our roadbook as a day for Mads. An unpredictable route with nearly 2,000 meters of elevation gain over a relatively short distance, the finish favoured those with explosive power and savvy positioning – so in other words, a Pedersen day. As the riders tackled the mid-stage 2nd-category climb towards Issaglio, the Team began to flex their muscles, controlling tempo and setting the stage for a selective finale. Daan Hoole had spent much of the day making sure that the 4-man breakaway didn’t get too much wiggle room. Amanuel Gherbreigzabhier and Carlos Verona set a ferocious pace to deter any attacks from other teams in a late bid for glory.
In the last few kilometers, they intensified the pace, with Kragh-Anderson, Bernard and Bagioli positioning Pedersen perfectly for a sprint finish. A leadout from yesterday’s runner up, Ciccone, made it look as though victory was in the bag. However, in the final hairpin, Gaudu of Groupama – FDJ kicked off Mads’ wheel and just had enough to come around him on the line.
Hear from Mads
The boys did great work all day. We knew from the beginning that no one would help us so it was a pretty hard day for the whole team and I'm just dissapointed I couldn't deliver what we were working the whole day for. It's tough to say but to finish second is the first loser on the line. We've been close two days in a row but it is what it is. We're showing good signs and we'll keep fighting to get the win. The Vuelta is long so, yeah, we will get it.
The team was really impressive today, it's crazy how Daan was pulling alone for 60km's and also on the climb. When Amanuel and Carlos took over it was really really impressive. We made a plan on the bus this morning and the guys finished it off so chapeau to the whole team today.
