Casper Pedersen racks up his third top 10 of the year.
The 58th edition of the “Race of the Two Seas” wasn’t kind to the riders, who were welcomed by rain, cold temperatures, and even hail at times in Lido di Camaiore, from where things got underway Monday. An 11.5km out-and-back individual time trial held over a perfectly flat course established an initial pecking order, and our riders took no risks on the wet and slick roads of the Tuscan town.
Casper Pedersen clocked up the best time for Soudal Quick-Step at the end of the stage won Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers). The Dane, who earlier this season took an impressive victory at the inaugural Figueira Champions Classic, rode a solid time trial – especially in the second part of the route – and concluded in ninth place with a time of 13:15.
“I had a good feeling during the stage. I wanted to go full gas today, I had good legs, and also my trainer made a pacing plan that I had to follow, so I pushed a bit more than usual, which was nice. It probably was one of my finest time trials. The roads were still wet, but leaving the start ramp among the last one helped. Now I’m already focused on the next stage, we are motivated and we want to help Fabio fight for victory”, Casper said.
Tuesday, the race will travel to Follonica, and despite the presence of a couple of climbs on the course, a first showdown of the sprinters is expected to take place on the streets of the small town that will host a stage finish for just the third time.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
Casper Pedersen 
