Magnier overjoyed after first Grand Tour win: 'First time I've sprinted against riders of this calibre'

While most eyes were on Jonathan Milan and Dylan Groenewegen, it was Paul Magnier who ultimately claimed the first pink jersey of the 2026 Giro d'Italia. In a sprint marred by a crash, the Frenchman proved faster than Tobias Lund Andresen, Ethan Vernon and Milan.

The stage win was Soudal Quick-Step's first WorldTour victory of the season. Magnier was the team's Classics leader in the spring, but met with bad luck at crucial moments and was never quite able to leave his mark. There was nothing wrong with his confidence, however — as his superb win in Burgas made clear.

In the flash interview afterwards, he was elated. "I'm so proud of the team and of myself. I came to the Giro in good form and in a beautiful Castelli jersey — but I get to swap that now for the pink jersey. I'm just so happy." Despite the crash and the chaos beforehand, his team had finally been perfectly positioned throughout.

"It was very chaotic, because the run-in had been quite calm and everyone was very fresh. I was in a good position and we knew it could get dangerous with the narrow roads in the finale. Jasper and Dries were absolutely brilliant, and I was able to finish it off in the end. I'm very proud," says the new wearer of the pink jersey.