Stage win number 4 coming up? Mads Pedersen ready for Giro d’Italia stage 6: “The last time I was in Napoli, it was very beautiful”

Mads Pedersen is the man of the moment at the Giro d’Italia. The Lidl-Trek rider has already claimed three stage victories from the opening five days and goes into stage 6 with confidence high, even if he’s under no illusions about the challenge ahead.

Speaking to Cycling Pro Net ahead of today’s stage from Potenza to Naples, the longest of the 2025 Giro, Pedersen reflected on both the terrain and his expectations.

“The stage is not easy. On the climbs it’s a matter of pushing hard, but the finale is a bit more traditional with a sprint to finish.”

Today’s profile features a series of climbs before a flat run-in to Naples, a finish that could favour Pedersen if the pure sprinters are distanced early. But the Dane knows that controlling the stage won’t be easy, especially following the withdrawal of key teammate Søren Kragh Andersen.

“It is difficult for us to control the race, especially now with the retirement of Søren Kragh Andersen. It will not be easy to organize a good lead-out, but we will do everything we can, also to score as many points as possible in the battle for the points jersey.”

Despite the tough start, Pedersen has fond memories of today’s finish city, having won a stage in Naples during the 2023 edition, “The last time I was in Napoli, it was very beautiful. So I have good memories of the city.”

Asked about tactics for the stage, Pedersen remained cautious and respectful of the competition, “My competitors are also world-class riders. After the hilly zone, it's still so far to the finish. I don't think there's much point in doing anything right away.”