Paul Magnier won the opening stage of the Giro d'Italia after a mass crash. © APA/afp / LUCA BETTINI

Pure chaos: The Giro begins with a mass crash.

Paul Magnier won the chaotic finale of the opening stage of the Giro d'Italia.

08 May 2026

From: dpa/dl

Following a mass crash in the peloton approximately 650 meters from the finish, the Frenchman won the sprint of an eleven-man group in Burgas, Bulgaria. Since the crash, which also took out stage favorite Dylan Groenewegen, occurred within the last three kilometers, it has no impact on the overall classification. All riders in the peloton will be credited with the same time.

Magnier leads the overall standings after his victory and wears the pink jersey. The favorite for the overall win is Dane Jonas Vingegaard. The 29-year-old stayed out of danger in the peloton and, according to initial impressions, also avoided the crash during the mass pile-up.

Bulgarian premiere

The Giro d'Italia is starting in Bulgaria for the first time. The opening stage on the Black Sea coast from Nessebar to Burgas marked the beginning of a trilogy that concludes on Sunday in Sofia.

The Giro d'Italia started in Bulgaria for the first time. © APA/afp / LUCA BETTINI

Saturday's stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo is considerably more challenging. The 221-kilometer route includes three categorized climbs, and the final three kilometers feature two cobbled sections and a nine percent gradient. After a rest day, the Giro resumes in Italy on Tuesday.