Strange things happen in cycling. On today's 3rd stage of the Giro d'Italia, in addition to stage winner Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), a goat from Albania also came into focus. On the 160 km stage held in and around the city of Vlorë, a goat ran onto the road and jumped into the back of Dion Smith (Intermarché-Wanty).
The New Zealand cyclist had to react quickly and maneuvered onto the grass, while riders behind him braked and also managed to avoid the goat. The animal also escaped the incident unharmed. "I didn't have much time to think," said Smith, who finished 124th. "I saw it coming for about ten seconds – a policeman was trying to hold the goats back, but one or two slipped through. Luckily, I stayed upright."
Smith, who hails from the North Island of New Zealand, said with a smile that he is more accustomed to seeing sheep on the road. "This was my first incident with goats. What can I say? I didn't know which way to go – everyone else turned left, I chose right. But in the end, everything went well. It hit me a little. I'll have to watch the replay, it all happened so fast. I was just focused on staying on the bike. I would have expected a stray dog, but it seems there are many more goats here in the south."
The first three stages of the Giro took place in Albania. Tomorrow is a rest day, and the tour will continue in Italy. The overall leader is Pedersen, with Primož Roglic (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe) trailing by 9 seconds and Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) by 14 seconds.
Goat recognizes the GOAT 🐐
— Intermarché-Wanty (@IntermarcheW) May 11, 2025
Dion Smith is the chosen man for this Giro d’Italia 🩷 pic.twitter.com/sd3FrIiTUm
