Not only Pedersen praised for victories, strong teammate also impresses: "He could become an improved version of Pedersen"

Once again, Lidl-Trek has proven to be a dominant force in the Giro d’Italia. After Mads Pedersen secured the opening stage win, the Dane also triumphed in stage 3 and reclaimed the pink leader’s jersey. Afterwards, there was not only praise for the team, but especially for a certain teammate: “Could become an improved version of Pedersen.”

Let’s start with Lidl-Trek, which has already taken two stage wins. Winner Pedersen immediately spoke highly of his teammates in his post-race flash interview. “Then you see all my teammates so committed to the plan, then I have to give everything for what they’re working for. I can't really say this, but f*ck it, man! They are so amazing.” He added, “We’ve got another win and the pink jersey back, that’s just amazing.”

One of Pedersen’s loyal lieutenants is Dutchman Daan Hoole, who — after his strong time trial on day two — again showed he’s in good form. Just like in stage one, he pulled at the front of the peloton and raised the pace. “This feels amazing, back in pink: a perfect day! I think this one was textbook — we did exactly what we planned.”

After three race days, the American team has already taken two victories, sending Hoole and his teammates to Italy for the remainder of the Giro with high spirits. “The team was incredibly strong, and it’s great that Mads was able to finish it off. A great start, and we go into the rest day feeling fantastic. Two wins in three days and the pink jersey — that’s just brilliant.”

Text continues below the tweet.

The final few hundred meters before Pedersen launched his sprint were thanks to Mathias Vacek. The strong Czech rider led his teammate into a second Giro victory with a long, powerful lead-out. “First, I want to thank the team, because we executed the plan 100% the way we wanted. Everyone did an amazing job. We managed to drop the top sprinters, so the group was already thinned out before the finale.”

Lidl-Trek’s pace was so intense that most sprinters couldn’t hang on during the climb. A few managed to come back. “The fastest one to return was Corbin Strong. But for me, it was clear that Mads was still the fastest in the group. If we could just deliver a lead-out like we did on the first day, we could win again. And we made it happen. We went all in, and it’s incredible to be rewarded for that.”

Vacek was also honored as the new leader of the youth classification. His team leader Pedersen will wear the pink jersey again from the next stage onward. “He’s a great leader and teacher to me,” Vacek said in his flash interview. “He’s such a kind guy, and great fun to be around. I’m always proud when we win, and I’m so happy he got the win and the pink jersey back on his shoulders.”

Text continues below the tweet.

The quality and class of Vacek have certainly not gone unnoticed after the first stages in Albania. In the podcast Wuyts & Vlaeminck, analysts Michel Wuyts and Greg Van Avermaet praised the performances of the Czech rider. “He is impressive and very versatile,” said Wuyts. “If you ask me, he could become an improved version of Pedersen.”

That’s quite a bold statement from the former Sporza commentator, who also offers several reasons for his point of view. “Maybe he’ll follow the same path, but he has everything it takes. He impresses with his physique and his engine. He’s fast and, I’m certain of this, he climbs better than Pedersen did at that age.”

During his press conference, Pedersen also had words for Vacek. “Vacek is absolutely amazing, man,” Pedersen said enthusiastically. “He has such a big future ahead of him. And he shows again today what he's able to do. But, you know, we also have to watch out — we're not putting a lock on this guy, because he can win a lot of bike races."

Pedersen made it clear how much he values Vacek’s hard work. “I will — I tell you guys — I will do everything I can to make it possible for him to have a stage win in this race as well, because he deserves it so much. He was there in all the Classics for me, and now again here. He's a machine, and I'm so proud of being able to have this guy riding with me, because he makes a big difference.”

Pedersen himself also seems better than ever, according to Wuyts. “One observation is that Pedersen, despite his age, keeps getting better. He’s already better than last year, right?” Van Avermaet agrees, and knows better than anyone how hard it is to perform in the Giro after a busy spring: “And yet he manages to do just that.”

Wuyts also points to another factor that may explain the Dane’s strong performance. “I think he’s also driven by a desire for revenge, because he wasn’t selected for the Tour. He’s now showing his worth in the Giro.”