Frenchman Paul Magnier (Soudal-Quick Step) won the sprint in the third stage of the Giro d'Italia, a 175-kilometer route between Plovdiv and Sofia, Bulgaria. This is his second victory in the 119th edition of the race. Magnier beat Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) and Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet Rose Rockets) in a tight finish, completing the podium on a day where speed set the pace.
The mechanics of the sprint: how to manage power in the final meters 🚴
Magnier's success in this stage is based on precise management of cadence and power. In mass sprints, cyclists reach peak wattages close to 1,500 W, but the key lies in releasing energy at the exact moment. Magnier, supported by his team's work in the final 3 kilometers, managed to maintain a clean line without wearing himself out in the blocks. The aerodynamics of his bike and his position on the handlebars reduced wind resistance by 5%, allowing him to accelerate on the right side of the peloton.
The GPS went crazy or Magnier has a magnet in his wheels 🧲
It seems Magnier found a shortcut not shown on the maps. While Milan and Groenewegen were calculating where to place their wheel, the Frenchman appeared as if he had used a sci-fi teleportation device. Rival teams are already reviewing the footage to see if the Frenchman has a hidden motor in his bottle or if he simply hired a Bulgarian magician. The truth is, if he continues like this, the other sprinters will have to make an appointment with a clairvoyant to know where he is going to come out.