Wout van Aert came agonizingly close to winning the 13th stage of the Giro d’Italia, but Mads Pedersen edged him out in a thrilling sprint finish. The Danish rider’s victory marked his fourth win in this year’s edition of the prestigious race.
Van Aert, who rides for Team Jumbo-Visma, couldn’t capitalize on his team’s hard work in the final kilometers. He said, “Some people think I’m back, but I never really left.” This comment references his recent near-misses in some big races.
A Frustrating Near-Miss
The Belgian cyclist thought he’d done enough to take the top spot. “I gave it my all, didn’t make any mistakes… it was a good ride,” he explained. “But Mads was just stronger, that’s all.” Van Aert revealed that he got stuck behind other riders about 50 kilometers from the finish line, wasting precious energy. He acknowledged that it’s tough to come so close and not win.
Van Aert praised Pedersen, saying, “He’s tough to beat, but I’ve been close twice now. If I get another chance, I’ll keep trying.”
Chaos from the Start
The stage was always going to be tough, with many riders eyeing a breakaway and a strong leading group. Van Aert’s teammates worked hard to control the pace. He was surprised by Team Ineos’s collective attack on the mountainous climb 50 kilometers from the finish. “We were in a good position, but then I messed up a turn and got stuck behind for a while,” he recalled.
Van Aert’s comments and reflections offer a glimpse into the mind of a top athlete dealing with the highs and lows of professional cycling. Despite the setback, he remains determined to bounce back and claim victory in the near future.