Tirana, May 10 -- Mads Pedersen profited from a textbook ride from his Lidl-Trek teammates as he won Stage 1 at the Giro d'Italia in Albania to secure the first maglia rosa.

Lidl-Trek were active on the front of the peloton throughout, with their infernal tempo proving too hot for GC hopeful Thymen Arensman, who shipped time. Meanwhile, Mikel Landa was taken away on a stretcher after a nasty late crash, as per a press release.

Lidl-Trek put in a masterclass in Albania to whittle down the peloton over two ascents of a tough finishing climb before propelling their man Mads Pedersen to victory and the pink jersey in Tirana.

Danish powerhouse Pedersen launched from the wheel of team-mate Mathias Vacek, exiting the final bend before holding...