Evenepoel and Alaphilippe spark 'unforgettable moments' in Magnier's thrilling debut season
Cycling
Paul Magnier can be proud of his first season as a professional. The still only 20-year-old sprinter started like a rocket, winning his first race for Soudal Quick-Step right away, something he continued to do throughout the year, both for the main team and the development squad. The Tour of Britain was a highlight, but unfortunately also a low point. During a recent BKOOL group ride, Magnier took the time to answer some questions from fans.
When I look back, I can say it was an amazing debut season. I'm happy with my five victories for the WorldTour team and couldn’t have wished for a better season," begins the young Frenchman. Winning his first race for the Belgian formation still feels unbelievable to him. "I knew I had completed two good training camps in Spain, but to raise my arms in victory during my first appearance in a Soudal Quick-Step jersey was incredible."
"The team believed in me that day, and after a fantastic effort from the whole squad, I was able to finish it off in the sprint," he continues in his analysis. "It was my most emotional victory of 2024 because everything happened so quickly; honestly, I wasn’t even ready for it," Magnier admits candidly.
Read more below the photo.
Highs and lows in the Tour of Britain for Magnier
The season was an emotional rollercoaster, something that also applied to the Tour of Britain. Magnier won three stages but ultimately had to withdraw after a heavy crash, which resulted in a serious concussion and significant abrasions. That week became one of extremes. "The victories in the Tour of Britain leave me with beautiful memories, especially because it was incredible to ride with Remco Evenepoel and Julian Alaphilippe. Having Alaphilippe as my lead-out man made it extra special."
But the crash was a harsh blow, abruptly bringing him down from his high. End of season. "It’s unfortunate because I was in great form and confident that I could achieve even more good results for the team. The recovery took a long time, but now I feel good again."
Magnier is ready for the next season and already has a few goals in sight. He hopes to race in some Belgian classics. "Those are very tough races, mainly because of the battle for position before the climbs and the sometimes harsh weather—rain, wind, and cold temperatures. At the same time, these classics are incredibly beautiful."
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Latest Comments
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024