Paul Magnier continues to lead the points classification at the first Grand Tour of the season.
Blockhaus has a special place in the history book of the Corsa Rosa, being the place where Eddy Merckx took his maiden Grand Tour stage victory after a spectacular attack two kilometers from the line. On Friday, this legendary climb returned on the course, this time as the first summit finish of the 109th edition at the end of the race’s longest stage.
A five-man breakaway formed early, but it became clear their chances were minimal, especially as the final climb averaged a gruelling 8.4% over 13.6 kilometers. The last riders still at the front from that group were quickly reeled in, making way to the general classification men. After an attack with five kilometers to go, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) took the victory, while Filippo Zana came home as the best placed Soudal Quick-Step rider.
Paul Magnier came home some minutes later and took to the podium where he received another cyclamen jersey, becoming the youngest rider this century to top the points classification for seven consecutive days.
On Saturday, the race goes to Fermo, a town in the Marche region, for a finish where both climbers and puncheurs could be in contention, especially as the average gradient in the last kilometer reaches almost 9%.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
