Dutch neo-professional Frits Biesterbos won the second stage of the Tour de Guangxi in Jingxi on Wednesday, outpacing sprinters Olav Kooij and Paul Magnier in a bunch finish across southern China. Magnier, who secured the opening stage victory a day earlier, finished third on the day but retained the overall leader’s jersey after the 180-kilometer ride, according to regional race reports.
Biesterbos Navigates Lead-Out Trains for First Professional Win
The 24-year-old Biesterbos claimed his inaugural professional victory by weaving through the closing meters of the stage. Established sprint teams controlled the approach to the finish line, with Decathlon working for Kooij and Soudal Quick-Step organizing a train for Magnier. Despite those organized squads dictating the pace in the final kilometers, the young Dutch rider found an opening to secure the win.
Wednesday’s route featured a four-rider breakaway that animated the early hours of the race before the peloton reeled them back in with 30 kilometers remaining. The neutralisation set up the mass sprint that ultimately decided the stage honors.
Magnier Holds the Leader’s Jersey Heading into Next Stages
Paul Magnier maintains his position atop the general classification following his podium finish. The French rider, who secured five stage victories during last year’s edition of the World Tour finale, holds the yellow jersey as the race continues.
The 2026 World Tour calendar concludes with the Tour de Guangxi, which features prominent contenders such as Spanish climber Juan Ayuso and British all-rounder Tom Pidcock. Last year’s race overall title went to British rider Paul Double.
Stage Schedule and Remaining Outlook
The Tour de Guangxi runs through Sunday, providing the remaining peloton sprinters further opportunities on the flat routes across the region. Race organizers have scheduled additional stages ahead of Sunday’s final conclusion.
