People will say I’m back, but I was never gone’ – Wout van Aert narrowly misses on second Giro d’Italia stage win

Giro d’Italia: Unstoppable Pedersen Pips Van Aert in Thrilling Uphill Sprint on Stage 13

Stage 13 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia delivered one of the most thrilling finishes of this year’s race, as Mads Pedersen edged out Wout van Aert in a powerful uphill sprint to claim victory. The 179-kilometre stage from Riccione to Cento promised drama, and it did not disappoint. Featuring flat terrain with a tricky uphill drag to the finish, it was a day tailor-made for strong sprinters with deep reserves of power—and Pedersen was the man for the moment.

The Danish rider from Lidl-Trek timed his effort to perfection, launching a devastating sprint in the final 300 meters to hold off a surging Van Aert, who had looked poised to take the win in the closing moments. The two heavyweights of modern cycling went toe-to-toe in a high-speed finale that brought the crowds to their feet and reshaped the points classification landscape.

From the outset, the peloton allowed a small breakaway of three riders to establish an early gap. However, with the sprinters’ teams eager to control the race, the escapees never gained more than two minutes. Teams like Alpecin-Deceuninck, Visma-Lease a Bike, and Lidl-Trek did the bulk of the work on the front, ensuring that the stage would come down to a bunch sprint despite light crosswinds and occasional tension in the pack.

With 10 kilometers to go, the breakaway was reeled in, and the fight for positioning began in earnest. Van Aert’s team positioned him perfectly near the front, and it seemed the Belgian superstar was poised to take his second win of the Giro. But Pedersen, known for his raw power and tactical sharpness, had other ideas. He followed Van Aert’s wheel in the final kilometre and launched his sprint with just enough patience to avoid fading too early on the slight gradient.

The final 500 meters kicked up just enough to test the riders’ strength and endurance. Van Aert opened his sprint with 250 meters to go, forcing Pedersen to respond quickly. The two rode side-by-side for several seconds in a breathtaking duel, but it was Pedersen who found the extra gear, pulling ahead in the final 50 meters to win by less than a bike length. It was a signature performance from the former world champion, highlighting not just his physical prowess but also his keen racecraft.

Behind them, Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek rounded out the podium in third, further underlining the team’s sprinting depth. Meanwhile, the general classification remained unchanged, with Tadej Pogačar retaining the maglia rosa. The Slovenian enjoyed a relatively quiet day, staying out of trouble and finishing safely in the peloton.

Pedersen’s victory marked his second stage win in this year’s Giro and demonstrated why he is considered one of the most versatile and reliable riders in the peloton. Known for excelling in tough one-day races and sprint finishes, Pedersen continues to add to his Grand Tour résumé with performances like this.

Van Aert, for his part, expressed disappointment but acknowledged Pedersen’s strength. “I gave it everything,” he said at the finish. “It was close, but Mads was just stronger today. There’s still more stages, and we’ll keep fighting.”

Looking ahead, Stage 14 promises more challenges with rolling terrain that could suit a breakaway or punchy riders. But for now, the spotlight is firmly on Mads Pedersen, who once again proved that when it comes to uphill sprints, he is a force to be reckoned with.

As the Giro heads into its decisive final week, the battle for stage wins, points jerseys, and overall glory remains wide open—but Stage 13 will be remembered as a day when Pedersen’s power and precision stole the show.