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2026-05-08T15:21:57.402Z
Cyclingnews will have full live coverage of stage 2 of the Giro d’Itralia on Saturday.
2026-05-08T15:18:05.741Z
For now we’ll raise a glass for Paul Magnier’s win and his first maglia rosa. Chapeau!
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T15:15:22.825Z
We also have an update of the riders involved in the crash.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T15:13:07.441Z
Keep checking our home page and the live updates for further news and interviews from Alasdair Fotheringham James Moultrie who are in Bulgaria for Cyclingnews.
2026-05-08T15:11:08.008Z
To read our full stage report, click below.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T15:07:40.154Z
Erlend Blikra (Uno-X Mobility) lost some skin and his jersey.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T15:05:52.916Z
There were mixed emotions at the finish due to the crash.
“I was already happy to start the Giro d’Italia with a nice shape and a special jersey from Castelli. Now I can change it with the Maglia Rosa.
“It was very hectic in the finale because it was an easy day before the sprint so everyone was really fresh. We tried to be in a good position before the narrow road where the crash happened. Jasper Stuyven did an amazing job and I could finish it off, it’s amazing.
“It was my first time being able to sprint against these big sprinters like Jonathan Milan. I already had some nice memories with the Maglia Rosa at the Giro NextGen, now I can have more. I will enjoy to wear this one!”
2026-05-08T15:04:13.873Z
It was a tough day for Kaden Groves.
Not the way we wanted to start our @giroditalia 🫠After a first medical check, @kaden_groves , the biggest victim of the crash in the finale seems okay.It is what it is… 20 more stages to go.📸 Mr. Pinko#AlpecinPremierTech pic.twitter.com/TCkXQrpqhQMay 8, 2026
2026-05-08T14:56:32.498Z
Magnier beams a huge smile after pulling on the magia rosa.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T14:53:46.090Z
Watch the final kilometre and see what happened in the crash in this video.
🔻An action-packed final kilometer: chaos, drama and an incredibly tight sprint finish!🔻Ultimi 1000 m da brividi tra imprevisti e uno sprint tiratissimo!⏪ The @continentaltire Ultimo Kilometro#GirodItalia pic.twitter.com/3Q9pZx0cEEMay 8, 2026
2026-05-08T14:50:30.239Z
Magnier faces a marathon in the podium. He also pulls on the cyclamen points jersey and the best young rider white jersey.
2026-05-08T14:46:41.424Z
Soudal are rightly celebrating. They have suffered a disappointing start to the 2026 season but have hit the jackpot at the Giro.
Stage 2 to Veliko Tarnovo also suits him and so he could stay in pink for a few days.
2026-05-08T14:39:46.579Z
Look how Magnier and Soudal celebrate.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T14:37:26.441Z
Matteo Moschietti of Pinarello also crashed in the sprint.
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This is what it means.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T14:35:05.944Z
This is photo that Magnier may put on his wall.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T14:33:05.323Z
It is Magnier’s first Grand Tour win and so his first maglia rosa. He won and wore pink at the Under 23 Giro two years ago but this is a whole different level.
2026-05-08T14:32:01.288Z
Tobias Lund Andresen was in the sprint. He just avoided the crash and sprinted to second place.
2026-05-08T14:30:41.936Z
Ethon Vernon (NSN) was third in the sprint.
2026-05-08T14:29:42.655Z
Groves crosses the line but has lots of road rash.
2026-05-08T14:29:00.828Z
The crash seemed to be caused by a high-speed touch of wheels behind the leading riders.
2026-05-08T14:27:43.751Z
Sad to see that Dylan Groenewegen was involved in the crash. Kaden Groves too.
2026-05-08T14:27:15.351Z
Riders caught in the crash roll in. They will not lose time today.
2026-05-08T14:26:15.063Z
Milan was there but caught behind and couldn’t move up. Andresen lead it out but Magnier came up and beat him to the line.
2026-05-08T14:25:31.818Z
What a chaotic sprint!
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Magnier wins it!
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sprint!
2026-05-08T14:23:59.596Z
Only eight rider stay clear!
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Crash!!!
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Last km!
2026-05-08T14:22:42.960Z
Soudal take control but is too early?
2026-05-08T14:22:15.303Z
It’s chaos!
2026-05-08T14:21:54.635Z
Positioning is vital and up front is the place to be.
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2km to go
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Uno-X lead into the corner.
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It’s shoulder to shoulder between rivals lead out riders.
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The right side of the road seems to be the fastest train for now.
2026-05-08T14:19:26.606Z
The last real right turn comes with 3.5km to go.
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The speed is up to 60km/h as Lild move up alongside Soudal.
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5km to go
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Soudal have massed on their left of the road. Decathlon and Picnic are on the right, Astana and UAE down the middle.
2026-05-08T14:12:48.893Z
Kaden Groves has three Alpecin teammates with him. He wears race number 1 this year.
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In contrast, Jonas Vingegaard and his Visma teammates are at the back of the peloton. They are trying to play it safe instead of fighting for position.
2026-05-08T14:10:55.760Z
10km to go
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Watch out for number 131: Paul Magnier of Soudal.
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The television helicopter goes in search of the sprint teams and spots Jonathan Milan with his Lidl teammates.
2026-05-08T14:06:04.202Z
15km to go
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We don’t want to spook anyone but there hasn’t been any crashes so far in the Giro. Let’s keep it that way.
2026-05-08T13:57:05.322Z
22km to go
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25km to go
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The riders had to avoid a dog in the road.
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António Morgado did the sprint for UAE.
2026-05-08T13:45:30.099Z
UAE sprint too, to stop any GC rivals taking the time bonus. Interesting….
2026-05-08T13:44:39.165Z
The race is on for the third place time bonus.
2026-05-08T13:44:18.313Z
Manuele Tarozzi (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) beats Diego Pablo Sevilla (Polti VisitMalta) to win the Red Bull sprint.
2026-05-08T13:43:37.599Z
Attack! Two Lotto riders go clear.
2026-05-08T13:41:32.898Z
This is our Red Bull KM explainer.
2026-05-08T13:40:27.634Z
35km to go
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The peloton has eased, allow the duo to extend the gap over 2:00. We’re expecting an increase in pacer very soon.
2026-05-08T13:33:29.652Z
Manuele Tarozzi (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) and Diego Pablo Sevilla (Polti VisitMalta) fight for the KOM once again.
2026-05-08T13:31:13.035Z
It’s time for the short, Cat 4 Cape Agalina climb after passing the beach.
2026-05-08T13:26:45.651Z
Jonas Vingegaard (Visma) and Felix Gall (Decathlon) are part of several riders who return to the peloton after a natural break.
2026-05-08T13:22:38.535Z
50km to go
2026-05-08T13:22:03.770Z
Milasn scored 5 points and perhaps opened up his sprint legs a little.
2026-05-08T13:21:24.837Z
Indeed, Lidl-Trek lead out Jonathan Milan. He takes the points, ahead of Kaden Groves, to take some points for the cyclamen- jersey.
2026-05-08T13:19:44.186Z
The peloton surges to sprint for third place but the gap is still at 2:00.
2026-05-08T13:10:56.089Z
Next up is the intermediate sprint.
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He will be hoping to secure the KOM azzurra jersey.
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Diego Pablo Sevilla (Polti VisitMalta) was first to summit, winning the intense sprint to the line.
2026-05-08T13:02:30.885Z
Will Manuele Tarozzi (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) and Diego Pablo Sevilla (Polti VisitMalta) sprint for the KOM points and the first mountains jersey?
2026-05-08T13:00:29.762Z
The riders are on the coast and there is a breeze. It has lined out the peloton along the edge of the Black Sea beach.
2026-05-08T12:59:17.039Z
This Visma video explain the red finger nail gesture.
2026-05-08T12:58:50.319Z
65km to go
2026-05-08T12:54:34.756Z
Jonas Vingegaard rode stage 1 of the Giro d’Italia with a finger nail painted red, as part of a charity awareness campaign.
It is a campaign run by Børns Vilkår (‘Children’s Welfare’), a Danish charity working against child abuse.
Danish celebrities and other supporters have painted one nail red as “a small act that marks something far too big” as part of the Stop vold!’ (Stop violence) campaign.
Click below to read our full story on Vingegaard’s nice act of support.
Why does Jonas Vingegaard have one painted nail at the Giro d’Italia?
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T12:51:55.469Z
In a later feed zone, James Shaw gets his feed by taking a musette. No dropped bidons this time.
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The profile of stage 1 of the 2026 Giro
(Image credit: RCS Sport)
2026-05-08T12:45:09.343Z
75km to go
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The riders are about to start the two circuits south of Burgas. Each loop of 22.1km features the category 4 Cape Agalina to award the first mountains jersey.
(Image credit: RCS Sport)
2026-05-08T12:38:36.247Z
Who can beat Jonathan Milan? Dani Ostanek analysed the sprinters of the Giro d’Italia for Cyclingnews.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T12:36:04.967Z
It’s great to see so many people out along the roadside. This is what bike racing and especially Grand Tours are all about.
2026-05-08T12:35:09.935Z
80km to go
2026-05-08T12:30:17.739Z
Three riders are leading the peloton in pursuit of the attackers. They are: Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier (Lidl-Trek), Hartthijs de Vries (Unibet Rose Rockets) and Ayco Bastiaens (Soudal Quick-Step).
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T12:21:07.447Z
The racing is steady but the current speed is 44.2 Km/h.
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90km to go
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There are some clouds gathering on the open plains south of Burgas. There is a slight chance of rain later in the day.
2026-05-08T12:14:54.311Z
This was James Shaw’s fumble.
Triple bottle miss! 😬James Shaw misses three bottles in quick succession on the opening stage of the Giro d’Italia! pic.twitter.com/5Groz5FkqCMay 8, 2026
2026-05-08T12:05:42.072Z
The riders roll through a feed zone but James Shaw of EF fails to catch a bidon three times.
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100km to go
The Red Bull KM sprint comes after 114.7, just 32km from the finish, so it will be interesting to see if any GC riders or sprinters fight for the six, four and two bonus seconds.
2026-05-08T11:58:03.553Z
The riders are racing in the opposite direction to when they sprint to the line.
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Manuele Tarozzi (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) and Diego Pablo Sevilla (Polti VisitMalta) lead by 1:45.
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As the riders move away from the coast and pass through Burgas for the first time, they get to see the finish area.
2026-05-08T11:49:39.813Z
It’s interesting to see that the Netcompany Ineos riders are wearing black shorts with their new green-grey jerseys.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T11:46:11.853Z
The riders roll through rapeseed fields
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T11:45:24.980Z
Look at the crowds!
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T11:44:49.413Z
Our photographers have already captured some great shots.
A general view of the peloton prior to the 109th Giro start in Nessebar, Bulgaria (Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T11:41:03.425Z
This stage is a lot like Milan-San Remo. There is a slow build-up but then we are expecting a crescendo finish.
2026-05-08T11:36:36.979Z
125km to go
2026-05-08T11:33:36.592Z
We can see some beautiful flamingoes feeding in the Black Sea. However Manuele Tarozzi (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) and Diego Pablo Sevilla (Polti VisitMalta) push on, trying to extend their gap over 2:00.
2026-05-08T11:28:42.402Z
The stage profile shows the ride isa not totally flat but the road to Burgas just rolls softly as its follows the coastline.
2026-05-08T11:27:43.287Z
130km to go
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Riders from Soudal, Uno-X and Unibet are on the front but doing ‘soft’ turns to keep the pace steady.
2026-05-08T11:17:56.732Z
As the riders roll past huge rapeseed fields, the sprinters’ team are playing bluff with each other and nobody is keen to lead the chase.
2026-05-08T11:17:00.380Z
The peloton and the sprinters are keen to save energy early in the stage to be as fresh for the fast final hour and the sprint to the line.
2026-05-08T11:13:54.580Z
Egan Bernal of Netcompany Ineos is at his team car, perhaps with a mechanical problem.
2026-05-08T11:12:57.302Z
The peloton has let the attackers go clear. The gap is up to 1:30.
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145km to go
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Race director Stefano Allocchio blows his whistle and waves his flag from the race car.
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🏳️ THE 2026 #GIRODITALIA IS UNDERWAY!!! pic.twitter.com/t25wOUq2twMay 8, 2026
2026-05-08T11:02:50.483Z
The Unibet riders seem ready to dive into any early attacks.
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We can see Lidl-Trek leader Derek Gee-West up front near the race director’s car.
2026-05-08T11:01:31.673Z
1km until the stage starts!
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The local Bulgarian crowds are out along the roadsides. That’s great to see.
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The riders can enjoy a 4.7km neutralised ride out of the seafront of Nessebar. Then the flag will drop and we are expecting attacks.
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There are four jersey competitions and lots of other special classifications and prizes. We have all the details.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T10:52:24.428Z
Race favourite Jonas Vingegaard was one of the last to sign on.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T10:50:37.208Z
Here we go! The riders are about to roll out!
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The riders are happy to finally race after four days in Bulgaria but there is tension in the air due to the expected sprint finish.
Team Giro d’Italia 💓 pic.twitter.com/mZ4GnC4Ki0May 8, 2026
2026-05-08T10:39:47.678Z
The start of stage 1 in Nessebar is on the edge of the Black Sea. The sun is out!
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T10:36:36.003Z
Bulgaria is turning pink! The #Giroditalia starts here, and the riders will race along the roads of a land rich in history and beauty. Cycling brings people together and is spreading around the world thanks to its ambassadors on two wheels, who bring excitement wherever they… pic.twitter.com/sbYxxtkblKMay 8, 2026
2026-05-08T10:34:52.682Z
The Giro d’Italia social media team are the best in the business. It’s great to be back at the Giro.
🏆 We’re so unbelievably back #GirodItalia pic.twitter.com/qyzCSfFDaWMay 8, 2026
2026-05-08T10:32:41.195Z
Half of the teams have signed on so far, with EF Education showing off their new green swap-out kit.
(Image credit: Assos/EF Education-EasyPost)
2026-05-08T10:28:32.638Z
Simon Yates snatched overall victory on the final mountain stage in 2025. He made a surprise decision to retire during the winter but his twin brother Adam is leading the UAE team this year and could win in Rome.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T10:24:19.542Z
Cyclingnews will have full live coverage of every stage of the Giro. The race is also broadcast and streamed around the globe.
How to watch Giro d’Italia 2026 – Free live streams, TV channels, Schedule
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T10:17:33.464Z
At the start in Nessebar, the first teams are starting to sign-on. The sun is out and the weather is dry with expected temperatures of 18-20C.
2026-05-08T10:14:43.518Z
This is our detailed stage 1 preview, with information on today’s stage.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-05-08T10:11:29.630Z
The Giro d’Italia starts outside of Italy for the 16th time and a second consecutive year, with Bulgaria hosting a three-stage Grande Partenza on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
(Image credit: RCS Sport/Giro d’Italia)
2026-05-08T10:03:48.470Z
We’ve published previews, interviews, analysis and special features on the 2026 Giro in recent week and James Moultrie and Alasdair Fotheringham are on the ground in Bulgaria to speak to riders and teams and bring you all the best reporting on the 2026 Giro d’Italia.
2026-05-08T09:57:16.347Z
The Giro d’Italia and the Grand Tour season begins with the Grande Partenza in Bulgaria.
Stage 1 is along the Black Sea coast, from Nessebar, a Unesco World Heritage Site and ends further south in Burgas after 147km of flat and likely fast racing.
The tension is high as a high-speed sprint finish seems assured with the stage winner also awarded the first race leader’s Maglia Rosa.
2026-05-08T09:54:55.261Z
Buongiorno and welcome to the Cyclingnews full live coverage of stage 1 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia.