Pedersen’s win capped off a fine ride by his Lidl-Trek team as they controlled the peloton, preventing any decisive attacks on the last climb and reeling in the breakaway.

The former world champion was well positioned in the home straight, kicking early and displaying impressive power to hold off the charge of New Zealand’s Strong.

“Everyone in the team just did a super amazing job on the climb,” said Pedersen.

“To have two stage victories already and now back in the pink, that’s exactly what we wanted.”

Slovenia’s Roglic, who won the 2023 Giro, will not be fazed by losing the overall lead at this point, with 18 stages to come and less pressure now on his team to defend the jersey.

His nearest main title rival, Spain’s Juan Ayoso is 16 seconds back on Roglic in fifth overall. Britain’s Max Poole is currently seventh, 33 seconds down on Pedersen.

Pedersen will be targeting a third stage win when the race resumes in Italy following Monday’s rest day.

Tuesday’s stage four is a 189km flat stage for the sprinters from Alberobello to Lecce.