'It was really hectic' - Magnier scorches to first pink jersey of Giro

The Frenchman had drawn a blank on his Giro debut a year ago and he endured a frustrating Classics campaign, beset by repeated mechanical problems, but he showcased his quality here, beating Tobias Lund Andresen and Ethan Vernon to the line to claim the first Grand Tour stage win of his career.

The finale was marred by a crash in the final kilometre that saw Dylan Groenewegen and Kaden Groves among the fallers, but Magnier was among the few riders to avoid the crash. He was expertly piloted by Soudal Quick-Step teammate Jasper Stuyven before unleashing a rasping sprint to come past Lund Andresen.

“It was really hectic in the final, because it was a pretty easy day and everybody was very fresh,” Magnier said. “I was in a good position because we knew it would be tricky with the narrow road in the final. We just tried to get in a good position, and then in the final Jasper and Dries [Van Gestel] did an amazing job and I could finish it off, so I’m super proud.”

Magnier is well used to winning, of course, after scoring 19 victories last season, and he is also well versed in the art of working a shout-out to his sponsors into his post-race flash interview.

“I was already really happy to be on the start of the Giro with a nice shape and a special jersey from Castelli, and now I can change my jersey to a pink jersey,” Magnier said.” I’m so happy, to be honest.”

It’s not the first pink jersey of Magnier’s young career. Two years ago, he sprinted to two stage wins on the Giro Next Gen, and he moved into the maglia rosa after his first win in Saint-Vincent.

“I have some nice memories with a pink jersey from the Giro Next Gen and now I will enjoy wearing it at the Giro d’Italia,” said Magnier.

The victory was the 27th of Magnier’s career and the most prestigious to date. Jonathan Milan was the consensus favourite for the first pink jersey, and his Lidl-Trek team was to the fore, but he had to settle for fourth as Magnier stole the show.

“We are a lot of sprinters here at the start and it was the first time I could sprint against these big sprinters,” Magnier said. “I’m super happy to beat them. It was a super nice team performance.”