Not just Magnier! This future sprint star from Soudal Quick-Step is also knocking on the door: "Figuring out what I'm best at"

Paul Magnier has made an explosive start to the early season. The 20-year-old Frenchman from Soudal Quick-Step immediately won the first stage of the Étoile de Bessèges, showcasing his raw power as a young sprinter. But amidst all the hype around Magnier, it’s easy to overlook another rising star in the Belgian team—one with a very similar profile. So, what exactly is he best at? Luke Lamperti faces a pivotal moment in his career this season.

The 22-year-old American has burst onto the WorldTour scene, making an impact alongside his French counterpart. Throughout the spring, he consistently finished among the top riders. Sports director Tom Steels sees him as a key piece for the Classics, especially in the years to come. "He has the qualities to win after a tough race, which makes him a perfect candidate for the Classics," the Belgian told Velo. "That should be a goal for him."

What exact role Lamperti will play this year remains uncertain. Despite his immense talent, he is still young and inexperienced. At Soudal Quick-Step, they don’t want to rush him, but when he’s ready for the big stage, they believe he will rise to the occasion. "He has the potential to be a leader or an invaluable teammate, but he still has time to develop. He definitely has the qualities to make it as a top rider," Steels concludes.

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Lamperti and Magnier completed an impressive one-two punch at last year's Tour of Oman.

"His positioning is exceptional for his age"

Last year, Luke Lamperti showcased his talent on challenging finishes. He secured second place in the Muscat Classic and was only narrowly beaten by Finn Fisher-Black on a tough uphill finish in the Tour of Oman. But mass sprints also suit him well, thanks in part to his unique background. "To me, he’s someone with a great feel for the peloton. Even in his first race, he looked comfortable, probably because of his motocross background. He’s used to holding his position and thinking clearly in chaotic situations," explains a former sprinter, now 53 years old.

"He’s more of a gritty sprinter. If the finish is slightly uphill after a hard race, he’ll always be among the best. His positioning is exceptional for his age—he truly understands the peloton, and that’s rare to see." The 22-year-old all-rounder is expected to push forward this season, which would be a big boost for his team. "He has made a lot of progress, and this year will show exactly where he stands as a rider."

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Lamperti, a pure bunch sprinter? "I don’t know if I have the raw power for that"

While Steels envisions Lamperti competing in the big bunch sprints, the American himself isn’t entirely convinced that’s his path. "I don’t think I’ll be targeting pure mass sprints," he says. "I don’t know if I have the raw power for that. But at the same time, I’m happy to give it a shot. I think I’ll focus more on the Classics—the tougher races with maybe harder sprint finishes."

Last year, after a string of impressive top finishes, he secured his first professional win in a stage of the Czech Tour. "That’s the step I want to take—to move up another level and get on the podium more often and win more races. Of course, that’s easier said than done."

This season will be all about finding his rhythm. "We’ll see where I can develop. But with the team around me, I can figure out more and more what I’m really best at." Lamperti will start his season on March 19 at Nokere Koerse, after which he is expected to focus on the rest of the spring campaign.

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