'I can be with the best sprinters in the world' - Magnier proves himself at Giro

“Now I have to say that I feel really good, and I can be with the best sprinters in the world,” Magnier said. “I will try to enjoy this moment and keep going as long as I can.”

When Magnier won in Burgas on Friday, one wondered how big a part the derailing of Jonathan Milan’s lead-out train had played in the finale. This time out, Milan led into the final corner, but Magnier’s pure speed would win the day.

Magnier came around Milan on the final, cobbled section of the finishing straight and he did just enough to hold off the Italian and Dylan Groenewegen to take the spoils.

“Today, Jonathan was very strong,” Magnier told RAI television. “He launched from a long way out and it was very hard to come past him. Timing was very important in the sprint today, though also I needed the legs to be able to accelerate.”

Above all, Magnier had words of praise for his Soudal Quick-Step team for delivering him in a winning position once again.

“It’s thanks to the whole Soudal Quick-Step team,” Magnier said. “We did a great job all day and I have to say thank you to the team for controlling all day. That’s not easy, but they put me in the best position in the final kilometres and I’m very proud I had the legs to do that sprint in the finale.”

Magnier resumes a long tradition of Quick-Step sprinters enjoying repeated early victories on the Giro, following in the wake of riders like Mark Cavendish, Marcel Kittel, Fernando Gaviria and Elia Viviani.

“I dreamed about it, it was the goal to go for the stage again,” Magnier said. “The team did an amazing job again. We controlled all day and then we had the plan to really be in a good position at 1k to go, and this is what we did. I wasn’t really sure I had won the stage at first, to be honest. I celebrated and then I said I’m not sure.”

The video replay quickly showed there was no doubt, and Magnier will be fancied to add to his haul of stage wins when the Giro reaches Italian roads after Monday’s rest day.

“First of all, we’ll travel to Italy and enjoy the second victory, it’s something amazing,” Magnier said. “When we arrive in Italy, we’ll do a plan and try to go for another stage.”

Magnier’s win also extends his lead in the points classification to 41 over Milan, and he will look to emulate his compatriot Arnaud Démare, who won the maglia ciclamino in 2020 and 2022.

“Arnaud Démare was maybe the best sprinter in the world at the time,” Magnier said. “He sent me a message on Instagram after my win the other day, and that meant a lot.”