Magnier makes it three, reclaims ciclamino in Pieve di Soligo sprint
Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) won his third stage of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, sprinting to victory in Pieve di Soligo on Thursday and reclaiming the points leader's cyclamen jersey.
An unlikely bunch sprint
The 171 km stage from Fai della Paganella to Pieve di Soligo seemed destined for a breakaway or late attacker, but the Muro di Ca' del Poggio — a 1.1 km climb averaging 12.3% — failed to split the peloton decisively. A four-man escape that included Britain's James Shaw was caught with 22 km remaining, and attacks by Afonso Eulalio were neutralised by Jonas Vingegaard's Visma team. Soudal Quick-Step masterfully positioned Paul Magnier for the sprint, with Jasper Stuyven delivering a textbook leadout into the final corner.
I did not expect it to happen today which makes it even more beautiful. I really thank the team for their confidence in me, I was not confident myself but they made it a sprint and I'm so happy to win here today.
Points jersey changes hands
Magnier's victory, his third of this Giro after earlier wins in Bulgaria, moved him back into the lead of the points classification ahead of Jonathan Narváez. The Frenchman now holds a clear advantage for the ciclamino jersey. Italian sprinter Jonathan Milan could only manage third place, extending his winless streak in this edition. Visibly disappointed, he admitted a positioning error cost him the chance.
I made a mistake, not the team. I should have stayed on Paul's wheel.
General classification stable
Race leader Jonas Vingegaard comfortably defended his pink jersey, marking Eulalio's moves on the Ca' del Poggio and finishing safely in the bunch. The Dane retains a 4 minute 3 second advantage over Felix Gall and 4 minutes 27 seconds over Thymen Arensman, with all favourites crossing the line together.
Dolomites looming
The Giro now heads into two critical mountain stages. Friday's stage 19 runs 151 km from Feltre to Alleghe, featuring six categorised climbs and around 5,000 metres of vertical gain in the Dolomites. Key passes include the Giau, this year's Cima Coppi at 2,233 metres, and the Falzarego, before a potential showdown on Saturday's double ascent to Piancavallo.
