Paul Magnier claimed victory on stage 18 of the Giro d’Italia on Thursday, reclaiming the points classification leader’s ciclamino jersey, while Jonas Vingegaard retained the overall race lead. The 171-kilometre route from Fai della Paganella to Pieve di Solgo featured rolling terrain that briefly saw a four-rider breakaway, including Britain’s James Shaw, but the escapees were caught before the decisive climb of the Muro di Ca’ del Poggio, located approximately 10 kilometres from the finish.

Magnier, 22, secured an ideal leadout from his Soudal-QuickStep teammate Jasper Stuyven and successfully fended off challenges from Italian riders Edoardo Zambanini and Jonathan Milan in the final sprint. This marks Magnier’s third stage win in only his second Grand Tour appearance. The Soudal-QuickStep squad also neutralized attacks by Johannes Kulset and Afonso Eulalio in the closing kilometres to set up the sprint finish.

Reflecting on his performance, Magnier acknowledged the element of surprise in his win and credited his team for their support. “I did not expect it to happen today which makes it even more beautiful,” he said. “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.”

The main general classification contenders finished together in the peloton, resulting in no shifts at the top of the standings. Vingegaard holds the pink jersey with a lead of four minutes and three seconds over Felix Gall as the Giro approaches a pivotal mountain stage through the Dolomites on Friday.