The name Aubin, according to some studies, originates from the Latin term Albinus meaning white. But at the Giro Next Gen, Aubin Sparfel is recognizable thanks to the red jersey of the points classification leader that he wore yesterday at the end of the stage in Salsomaggiore Terme, where he finished third.

After the award ceremony, the 19-year-old French athlete from the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Development Team spoke to our microphones and said: "I'm happy with my third place. Clearly, I came to the Giro to seek victory, I came close and in the next stages I will try again to win it".

Sparfel animated the stage starting from Manerbio along with eight other riders and never lost heart even when Pierre-Henry Basset and Lorenzo Masciarelli tried to escape in tandem. "I was sure we would catch them", he said. "I knew I was with excellent passists, so I didn't worry too much but managed myself. I kept my energy for the finale without wasting it on the climb. In the final sprint, I tried to do my best, but those who preceded me were stronger. There are other stages and I will try again".

The young athlete born in Épinal, in the Grand Est Region, has shown he can perform on different terrains and when asked which routes he feels most comfortable on, he responds with disarming simplicity: "I like all types of routes. I think I can define myself as a complete rider. I have a good sprint and can be a protagonist even on climbs. This versatility is good for me".

Aubin doesn't hide a bit of disappointment for the result obtained on Tuesday at Passo Maniva (40th place): "The third stage didn't go very well and it also affected my overall classification. Now I'm focused on individual stages. I want a victory!"