'The team did a masterclass' - Paul Magnier thanks Soudal teammates after inspiring him to third Giro d'Italia sprint victory

Paul Magnier secured his third stage victory at the Giro d’Italia with a powerful sprint finish in Pieve di Soligo, much to the delight of his Soudal-QuickStep teammates. The win was particularly impressive given the challenging terrain and Magnier’s struggles on the climbs earlier in the stage. Despite being dropped on both the first and last climbs, the French sprinter was repeatedly brought back into contention by his team, showcasing their tactical strength and determination. Key to Magnier’s success was the support from his teammates, especially Jasper Stuyven, who delivered a perfectly timed lead-out in the chaotic final moments of the race. Stuyven described the effort as somewhat improvised but effective, highlighting how the downhill and flat finish suited Magnier’s sprinting style. The team’s ability to control the race and keep Magnier protected allowed him to conserve energy and deliver a winning burst at the crucial moment. Magnier himself praised the collective effort of Soudal-QuickStep, calling their performance a “masterclass” in teamwork. He acknowledged the difficulties he faced due to the heat and the demanding climbs but credited his teammates for restoring his confidence and positioning him for victory. This win also strengthened his lead in the points classification, extending his advantage over rival Juan Sebastián Narváez, who finished 18th and failed to score points in the sprint. The battle for the points jersey remains intense, with Narváez expected to target intermediate sprints in the closing stages of the race. Magnier admitted that Narváez’s aggressive tactics earlier in the Giro had made the competition tough, but he remained focused on maintaining his lead. With the final sprint in Rome looming, the outcome of the points competition promises to be a compelling subplot in the closing days of the Giro d’Italia.