Ackermann unloads on rivals after Giro sprint chaos: ‘They’re all crazy’

The German Jayco AlUla sprinter finished seventh for the second time in three days, having placed himself on what looked like the perfect wheel in the closing stages. 

Ackermann had chosen to follow Paul Magnier, and that decision proved sound as the young Frenchman went on to take his second stage win of the race. But when the sprint opened up, Ackermann was no longer where he wanted to be.

Speaking to Eurosport after the finish, the Jayco AlUla rider did little to hide his frustration.

“It was complete madness,” Ackermann said. “Nothing happens all day and then in the end it is just a fight. You have to gamble a lot and I put everything on Magnier, which turned out to be the right choice. Then the Estonian rode straight into me. They are all crazy and I am just glad I still have my skin.”

Ackermann was referring to Madis Mihkels (EF Education-EasyPost), who moved into the slipstream of Magnier and eventually finished fourth. The incident was difficult to judge clearly from the broadcast images, but the tension in the closing stages was obvious. 

The breakaway was only caught inside the final kilometre, leaving the sprint teams with little time to organise themselves before the road exploded into a battle for position.

The long finishing straight in Sofia did not make the finale any calmer. Instead, the final kilometres became a high-speed scramble, with riders searching for shelter, space and the right wheel. The last 150 metres, partly over light cobbles, only added to the instability as the sprinters launched at full speed.

Magnier came through it best, beating Jonathan Milan and Dylan Groenewegen in a tight finish and further strengthening his hold on the points jersey. For Ackermann, it was another sign that the legs are there, but the winning moment has not yet arrived.

The 32-year-old knows what success at the Giro feels like. He won two stages and the points classification in 2019 and added another stage victory in 2023. Since his move to Jayco AlUla, however, he is still waiting for his first win in team colours.

His Giro has been consistent so far, but not yet rewarding. After narrowly avoiding the crash-marred finale on stage one, he has now twice sprinted to seventh. More chances are coming, though Tuesday’s stage may be too demanding for the pure sprinters and could open the door for attackers. 

Later in the week, stage six to Napoli looks like a more obvious opportunity for the fast men.