Magnier thanks Alaphilippe and Lampaert after strong debut season that taught him a lot: "Now I'm on time for flights"

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. In his debut season, Magnier learned a lot, especially from teammates Julian Alaphilippe and Yves Lampaert.

For the young Frenchman, the biggest challenge was adapting to life as a professional cyclist, as he explained on the The Wolfpack Howls podcast. "I learned a lot, especially how to live like a pro rider. Cycling started as a hobby for me, but now I had to really live like a pro." Magnier admitted he struggled with some aspects of this transition, sharing two examples.

"It was mainly things like replying to emails or being on time for flights. Those weren’t exactly my strengths. But now, I’m on time for flights and trying to keep my emails organized and reply to them," he said in the team podcast.

One memory that stood out from his first days with the team was the dinner table conversations. "For me, it wasn’t about training more but learning how to interact with teammates. At dinner, I often sat with adults, and the conversations were about kids and houses. That felt strange to me at first."

In his first year as a pro, Magnier learned a lot from Alaphilippe and Lampaert 

Magnier credits much of his growth to Alaphilippe and Lampaert. In particular, Alaphilippe, a fellow Frenchman, played a big role in helping him adjust. "I was very nervous at the first training camp. There are over a hundred people working here, so it was hard to remember everyone. Alaphilippe was incredible. He took me under his wing and introduced me to everyone. I’m very grateful to him for that."

Lampaert also played a crucial role, especially during Magnier’s first win. "He was there in Mallorca," Magnier recalled. "He told me to stay on their wheels and keep believing. Having someone like Lampaert there to give me confidence was really important."

Read more below the photo.

Paul Magnier wins ahead of Luke Lamperti in the Tour of Oman

Magnier reflects on an "emotional victory"

Earlier this winter, Magnier joined a BKOOL group ride, where he took time to answer fan questions. "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.

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."

Read also

Spectacle in Northampton! Brave breakaway riders seem to make it, but sprint is again for Magnier

Magnier again wins in Tour of Britain after fine teamwork by Evenepoel and Alaphilippe, Williams retains leader's jersey

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