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, who completed 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 wattage close to 1,500 W, but the key is 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 that isn't on the maps. While Milan and Groenewegen were calculating where to position their wheel, the Frenchman appeared as if he had used a sci-fi teleporter. Rival teams are already reviewing the footage to see if the Frenchman has a hidden motor in his bidon or if he simply hired a Bulgarian magician. The truth is, if he keeps this up, the other sprinters will have to book an appointment with a psychic to know where he's going to come from.