Few sprint opportunities left, so Magnier and Fretin call it quits: Giro debutants won’t start after rest day

The 21-year-old Magnier was one of Soudal Quick-Step's main contenders for a stage win. After a tough opening weekend in Albania, the super talent finished seventh in the first sprint stage to Lecce, where Casper van Uden was the strongest. Two days later, he finished third in the rain-soaked stage to Naples, where a select group battled for victory. An eighth place in the twelfth stage was his next top-ten finish, but a chaotic finale ruined his last chance in Nova Gorica.

It was precisely in these kinds of stages that Magnier wanted to make his move because the small hills in the final suit him well. After the second week, however, the chances were becoming slim, and the Frenchman was already unsure whether he could complete the three weeks. "We don't know yet whether I will finish the Giro. That also depends partly on the conditions because last week was very tough. We'll see how it goes at that point," he said earlier. Former CEO Patrick Lefevere has already confirmed that the second rest day would be the end of the road. "In theory, he will withdraw from the race on Monday, the rest day. At this point in his career, two weeks are more than enough."

Fretin's adventure has also come to an end. The 24-year-old Belgian had an excellent spring and wanted to continue his momentum in the Giro. In the end, he didn't win a stage, but a second place in Naples was a huge boost. In Viadana (stage 12), the powerful rider also finished sixth. But his first Grand Tour is over after two weeks of racing. Remarkably, the Flemish rider rode the Giro with a half-torn shoulder cap and a damaged biceps. His performances were already good, but now they can be called truly impressive.