After three days, giving ratings is perhaps a bit bold, excessive, let's say that we limit ourselves to making some observations and giving some ratings here and there. A race that in some ways has already finished just as it's begun. The Tour of Bulgaria has reached its destination, with two winners: Thomas Silva and Paul Magnier. For the Uruguayan two days in pink (he's also wearing the white jersey as best young rider). His team, XDS Astana directed here by the duo Shefer and Manzoni, first in the special points classification. For the Frenchman one day in pink, the cyclamen jersey on his shoulders and two stage victories. Not a bad start, but tomorrow we start again: we haven't even really begun. 10 for three days.

Joao Almeida didn't even manage to start: stopped by mononucleosis that weakened him excessively. In his place UAE Emirates is counting on the twin, the one who remained, not to the Emiratis, but to cycling. Here comes Adam, who however ends up on the canvas right away and against a guardrail that knocks him out immediately. No better fate befalls his teammates Marc Soler and Jay Vine, who head home together with Adam. Three withdrawals, for a team that now not only must try to reinvent itself, but must find the strength to react and make do with three and also for those three. They have nothing left to lose, which is why they can be the deciding factor: perhaps with Jan Christen. 7 for encouragement.

The impression that Jonny Milan lost more due to his eagerness to win and due to a disorganized and wasteful action is supported by the data. In the Sofia sprint, the Friulian registered an average wattage of 1590, against 1170 for Magnier. Peak power in Milan's favor at 1870 against Magnier's 1480. Numbers that tell us that in his legs the Tokyo gold medalist has dynamite, but it's not always enough to win. Beyond the engine you need CX and harmony. Top speed 68.7 against 68, in Magnier's favor. Fewer horsepower, but how smoothly the Frenchman rides. 7 on trust, for Jonny.

Three stages and three days in breakaway, chasing points for the blue mountain jersey. Diego Pablo Sevilla takes home a mountain of points. The tireless Polti VisitMalta rider. He knows that in a Grand Tour every day is precious: he makes the days in Bulgaria unforgettable. 9, with an invitation to prove himself again, for another 9.

Mirco Maestri and Alessandro Tonelli are the little twins of the breakaway, the two Polti riders escorting Diego Pablo Sevilla. They accompany him, support him and encourage him. Meanwhile they also make a great impression themselves: 8s, an eight for each.

Tough, stubborn and headstrong as few others, Manuele Tarozzi, who at the start of this Tour gives Bardiani a vibrant stage that begins as a joke and almost ends up making everyone cry. At the Sofia finish line, Tarozzi, Tonelli and Sevilla are caught just 400 meters from the line. The stage so far has been beautiful, the most beautiful: 9 for everyone.

Three stages and two crashes: a disaster. The first marked by sluggish and sleepy racing conduct, bordering on unbearable. The sprint ends in a collective crash, also because of those barrier feet that can't be seen anymore and that unfortunately aren't noticed by those who should intervene, like the Technical Commission of the League and the Riders' Association. Rating 4 for the feet: when will they get out of the way?