Stage Three Preview of the Giro d’Italia: Tom Pidcock Faces Strong Rivals on 160km Journey to Vlore

Overview of the 2025 Giro d’Italia

The opening days of the 2025 Giro d’Italia have captivated fans with an exciting mix of competition and drama. On the first day, former world champion Mads Pedersen showcased his sprinting prowess, claiming the prestigious maglia rosa in Tirana, the capital of Albania, just ahead of renowned cyclist Wout van Aert. This eventful kick-off was followed by an intense individual time trial where British racer, 21-year-old Josh Tarling, delivered an impressive performance narrowly defeating Primoz Roglic by a mere second. Despite his loss, Roglic succeeded in taking the pink jersey from Pedersen, also by one second, after a fierce effort from the latter in the final stretch of the race.

Stage Three: Setting the Scene

Today, the peloton shifts to the picturesque coastal city of Vlore, where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. Known for its exquisite wine and olive oil, Vlore is also home to the historic Kanina Castle, which overlooks the town from a hillside vantage point. The cyclists are poised for a hilly 160km route that begins with a southward progression along the coastline on wide, fast roads. The coastal winds may play a crucial role in disrupting the pack’s formation before the route pivots inland, ultimately looping back to finish in Vlore.

Route Highlights

Stage three presents a series of challenges with two intermediate sprints followed by a pair of climbs. The first is a gentle category four ascent, while the more formidable category two Qafa e Llogarase climb looms ahead, featuring an 11km stretch at an average gradient exceeding 7 percent. Once the riders crest this significant elevation, they will face a rapid descent back toward Vlore, adding a thrilling dynamic to the day’s race.

Strategic Considerations

While stage three may resemble the action-packed first stage—which, despite its hilly terrain, concluded in a high-speed sprint—it offers unique strategies for competitors. The positioning of the major climb close to the finish line, combined with the subsequent descent, opens opportunities for technically skilled riders to capitalize on their abilities. A talented bike handler might thrive if they can secure a position near the front at the climb’s peak, adding intrigue to the day’s proceedings. Could this be a moment for riders like Tom Pidcock to shine?

Route Map and Profile

Start and Finish Times

The eagerly anticipated stage three is scheduled to commence around 12:30 PM BST and is expected to conclude by approximately 4:15 PM, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with high-speed racing and strategic maneuvering.

Predictions for the Day

As we look ahead to the race, excitement surrounds the possibility of Tom Pidcock aiming for a strong performance on a stage tailored for skilled riders. Yet, it’s hard to overlook the prowess of Pedersen and Van Aert, two competitors with strong chances of success given their current forms. With the pink jersey on the line and a potential time bonus in play, it’s plausible that Pedersen will strive to reclaim the lead from Roglic. Many enthusiasts are placing their bets on the Dane to secure his second victory in this year’s Giro d’Italia, adding a fascinating layer to the unfolding drama of the race.