The Lidl-Trek train was running well - set a strong pace on the final climb and down to a sprint to the finish line. Pedersen provided a powerful sprint to defeat second place finisher Corbin Strong (IPT). Pedersen takes a 10-seconds time bonus, reclaiming the Maglia Rosa and leads the points classification.
Dion Smith (Intermarche-Wanty) came close to falling after an Albanian goat ran into the road and jumped at his back wheel. The Kiwi was forced to ride onto the grass, avoiding the goat, unscathed.
"I didn't have too much time to think. I could see it 10 seconds before, the policeman was trying to keep them all in, and then one or two started coming across. Luckily, I stayed up. First time with a goat for me. I mean, what can I say? I didn't know which way I was going to go, and everyone else went left. I chose right, but in the end it was fine.
I think it hit me a little bit. I have to watch the replay, you know, it all happened so fast. I was sort of just focusing on staying on my bike, but I might have just brushed it. I probably more expected maybe a wild dog or something, but I guess there's a lot more goats down here.
It's been great, and it's beautiful down in the south here, can't complain. They've done really well, I've definitely enjoyed it and it was a different experience, but... Just watch out for the goats."
-Dion Smith. The Kiwi finished in 124th, some 15 minutes after Pedersen claimed victory.
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