Six wins in seven stages: Paul Magnier's remarkable Tour of Guangxi streak continues in 2026 opener

The 149 kilometre opening stage, starting and finishing in Chongzuo, was expected to favour the sprinters. With limited climbing and wide roads, the race offered an early opportunity for the fast finishers to make their mark.

A three rider breakaway featuring Neilson Powless, Patrick Gamper and Fredrik Dversnes animated much of the day. Despite maintaining an impressive average speed of nearly 49 km/h over the opening 100 kilometres, the peloton kept the escapees within reach.

Soudal Quick-Step, Decathlon CMA CGM and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe shared responsibility for the chase, eventually bringing the breakaway back with just over eight kilometres remaining.

A late attack from Jayco AlUla's Jasha Sütterlin briefly disrupted the sprinters' plans, but he was caught inside the final two kilometres, setting up the expected bunch finish.

Decathlon's Cees Bol delivered a powerful leadout for Olav Kooij, but Magnier timed his acceleration to perfection. The Frenchman surged past his rivals to take the win ahead of Germany's Max Kanter and Australia's Sam Welsford.

Kooij, considered one of Magnier's biggest challengers, finished outside the top ten after appearing to make contact with the French rider during the final sprint, forcing him to interrupt his effort.

For Magnier, the victory extends his impressive run in Guangxi after dominating the bunch finishes in the 2025 edition. With the opening stage secured, the French sprinter has once again established himself as the rider to beat.