Pedersen Wins Goat-Halted Giro d’Italia Albania Stage

During the third stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia in Albania, New Zealand cyclist Dion Smith narrowly avoided a crash after a mountain goat brushed his bike, forcing him onto the grass verge, but he continued without injury. The stage also saw a dog run across the road near the finish, adding to the animal-related hazards that had been a concern for organizers. Denmark’s Mads Pedersen won the dramatic sprint finish, reclaiming the pink leader’s jersey. Pedersen now leads the general classification by nine seconds over Primož Roglič. All riders and animals involved in the incidents emerged unscathed, and participants generally praised the Albanian stages for their unique experiences. The race is now set to return to Italy for the next stage.