Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep) sprinted to victory on the opening day of the Giro d’Italia, claiming the first Grand Tour stage win of his hugely promising career and taking the first pink jersey as the overall leader of the 2026 Giro.
The 22-year-old Frenchman surged to the line in Burgas, Bulgaria, winning from what was a very small group after most of the peloton was held up by a big crash inside the final kilometre.
Ethan Vernon (NSN Pro Cycling) grabbed the final spot on the podium, crossing the line directly behind Magnier, while multiple Giro d’Italia stage winner Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) could only manage fourth.
“I’m so proud of the team and also my performance,” Magnier said. “It was really hectic in the final because it was a quiet day so everyone was really fresh. With positioning we knew with the narrow road in the final it would be tricky, so we tried to get in good position, in final Jasper and Dries [Van Gestel] did an amazing job and I could finish it off so I’m super proud.”
Magnier pulled on the famous maglia…
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