Paul Magnier wins the third stage of Giro d’Italia 2026 in Sofia

Paul Magnier did it again! The Frenchman, who crossed the final of the first stage of the Giro d’Italia in Burgas first, today repeated his success and was the first to cross the line near the historic building of the National Assembly, becoming the big winner of the third and final stage of Giro d’Italia on Bulgarian territory. The second position is for Italian Jonathan Milan and Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen was third.

Magnier’s victory was actually decided when crossing the “Eagle Bridge” square with a powerful final sprint. He covered the 175 kilometers from Plovdiv to Sofia in 4 hours, 9 minutes and 42 seconds.

"It's incredible to win two stages in the first three days. I didn't expect it. I worked hard for this, but the victories are very sweet. The Bulgarian roads gave me wings and I hope to continue in the same way," Magnier said at the press conference after the end of the stage.

Debutant Guillermo Silva wins Stage 2 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia in Bulgaria

French rider Paul Magnier wins first stage of Giro d’Italia in Bulgaria

A historic moment – ​​strong emotions and the largest cycling event preceded the grand finale of the third stage of the race in Sofia

One of the busiest boulevards in the capital was completely closed, turning the heart of the city into a cycling space.

Over 25,000 cyclists joined the mass cycling and covered the final meters of the route, which was later also used by the cyclists of the international Giro D'Italia race in the third stage of the race, BTA reported, quoting mayor Vasil Terziev. The municipal administration pointed out that this was the largest cycling event in the history of Sofia.

"Today is an incredible, exceptional day," said the capital's mayor Vasil Terziev and thanked everyone who made it possible to hold Giro d'Italia in Bulgaria.

The competition is a huge advertisement not only for Sofia, but also for all of Bulgaria, which will have a long-term effect, Terziev added "Many of those who watched the competition, who managed to see how beautiful our country is, how much there is to see, will choose to visit us."

Strong response on social networks

The euphoria from this large-scale international sporting event was complemented by positive assessment of the idea and implementation of this largest advertising campaign for the country, which in reality is the television footage, which presented all the natural, historical and architectural landmarks along the route beautifully.

"This is huge. An event of this scale is not just a sport, but a world stage and a chance for 800 million people to see Sofia not as a backdrop of post-socialist Eastern Europe, but as a vibrant, interesting, European city with people, energy and ambition,” singer Ruth Koleva wrote.

In the past three days Bulgaria and Bulgarians have been given a huge opportunity to experience and show the country as a place for tourism, culture, urban identity. It will be wonderful if we manage to preserve the emotion, catch the wave and continue to develop Bulgaria as an exciting destination for life, sports and dreams.

Editor: Elena Karkalanova