"Hopefully, we can defend it" - Magnus Sheffield into GC lead at Coppi e Bartali as INEOS Grenadiers continue to impress in 2025

The INEOS Grenadiers continue to be reborn in 2025. At the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali, the British-based team have again been attacking, vibrant and ready to take any opportunity presented. As such, after Caleb Ewan's sprint win on stage 1, Magnus Sheffield has now forced his way into the overall race lead after stage 3.

A second stage win of the race didn't quite present itself for the team on stage 3, as UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Jay Vine held out for a stunning solo win in Cesena. With the Aussie star already having lost time in the general classification though, it was as mentioned, Sheffield who took over the race lead, finishing 2nd on the day and benefitting from time loss by those who had started the day above him, such as stage 2 winner Paul Double, Lotto wonderkid Jarno Widar and the experienced Diego Ulissi. 

"It was even colder than we expected, but we managed it quite well," Sheffield commented in his post-stage interview with the media at the finish line, optimistic at his chances of holding the race lead until the end. "It's nice to take the lead going into the next few days. I'm looking forward to wearing the leader's jersey, and hopefully, we can defend it."