Empty-handed again for Visma | LaB in China, but the team knows why it’s here: "We’re really looking forward to that"

It all looks very simple, but of course it isn’t. Of his last fifteen race days, Magnier has won no fewer than twelve! That brings his total to seventeen victories, leaving him just three short of Tadej Pogacar, who has taken twenty wins this year.

“It was an early start and a long day, but we were all motivated to do our best,” said a happy Magnier after the finish. “We worked hard all stage, and it’s great to be rewarded with another victory here in China. I want to thank my teammates and the staff for all their work and effort,” Magnier added gratefully.

“It’s wonderful to experience this amazing Wolfpack atmosphere every day. It’s something special, that’s what makes the difference. I’m happy with this success and with keeping the red jersey, but I’m not thinking about the general classification. Our plan is to take it day by day and grab every opportunity,” said the Frenchman, who didn’t seem focused on the overall win.

Three out of three for Soudal Quick-Step means zero out of three for everyone else. The same goes for Visma | Lease a Bike, although the team still seemed fairly content. “We got through the day well,” concluded sports director Jesper Mørkøv afterward. “It was a hot, tough day for the riders.”

“The key was to stay well-positioned in the peloton, and we did that,” continued the Dane. “In the finale, the pace went up and we had hoped for a different scenario than a sprint, but that didn’t work out. Then we shifted our focus to Niklas (Behrens, ed.), but unfortunately he got a bit boxed in during the sprint,” explained the team, referring to the German who had sprinted to 11th place on stage two.

Such a result wasn’t in the cards on Thursday. “Unfortunately, he got a bit boxed in during the sprint,” explained Mørkøv about Behrens’ 29th place on the day. “All our GC riders crossed the line safely, and that was the main goal today. Cian looked very strong again. Our main targets are later this week. We’re really looking forward to the final climb in fifth stage. As a team, we’re still in a good position," the Dane concluded.