Mathias Vacek shines alongside Pedersen on Giro Stage 3: “It doesn’t matter who wins, I’ll get my chance too”

Mathias Vacek played a decisive role in yet another triumphant day for Lidl–Trek at the Giro d’Italia, helping teammate Mads Pedersen claim his second stage win in three days and reclaim the coveted maglia rosa. After a tough, undulating stage featuring nearly 3,000 metres of climbing, Vacek’s efforts were instrumental in delivering a textbook team victory, and he is now the wearer of the Maglia Bianca.

Speaking to Cycling Pro Net after the stage, the Czech rider expressed his excitement and gratitude. “The feeling is crazy good, you know. We just won two out of three stages and the Giro is too long, so I hope we can win more. But yeah, until now everything goes super nice.

"We could execute the plan again today and all the team worked so hard. I just want to say thank you to all the guys and to Mads that he could win the stage today. So yeah, perfect job from him.”

The team faced a challenging task controlling the race over the mountainous terrain, but they approached the day with clear strategy, and a plan B if needed.

“Yeah, we knew it’s going to be a hard stage today with almost 3,000 altitude meters. It’s not easy, but we tried to control from the start like we did the first stage, just to do a nice pace for Mads on the climb. Some guys went, but I mean we are still 40k after the climb and with headwind, so we were not that scared that Fortunato and Bais could make it. But of course, if GC guys could go like Ayuso or Yates or these guys, then we should follow with Chico — at least Chico should follow, and me also.”

Despite the threats, the plan worked. Pedersen had the legs, the team stayed in control, and the result followed. But Vacek wasn’t just a domestique on duty, his own form has raised eyebrows too, particularly on the climbs.

“The legs are definitely good,” he confirmed. “The plan for the first stages was definitely to go for Mads to achieve the stage wins. We did the first stage, now this stage, to have the maglia rosa now for a few days. And of course, we already talked with Mads that for sure I will have also a chance to maybe get a stage win.

"So yeah, we see what the next stages bring. Until now we are super happy with the performance and it’s always nice that my teammate gets a win. So yeah, it doesn’t matter who wins, but I will definitely also get some chance.”