The 22-year-old will wear the white jersey on Wednesday, after coming close to victory.
Paul Magnier racked up his 19th podium of the season after a hectic finish in Seget Donji, where the 167km stage one concluded. The Frenchman, who came here after picking up two wins and the points jersey at last week’s Okolo Slovenska, put again on display his impressive acceleration, but was boxed in with 200 meters to go and in the end that proved to be decisive.
Up until that point, Soudal Quick-Step controlled the stage that got underway from Split - home to Diocletian’s Place - and took in several hills where our team continued to set the pace in the headwind. A late attack of two riders complicated matters a bit, but the peloton brought them back 400 meters from the line - the cue for the sprinters to start their effort. Magnier came from behind at a fantastic speed, but all he could do was take runner-up behind Juan Sebastian Molano (UAE Team Emirates).
Another opportunity for Paul will come Wednesday, when the CRO Race arrives in Novalja. Despite the presence of a small but steep climb not far from the finish, the sprinters are again favorites.
Photo credit ©Sport-IT
