Soudal Quick-Step sports director has seen many talents, but sees a 'New Tom Boonen' in his Omloop squad

Soudal Quick-Step may have lost big names like Kasper Asgreen and Julian Alaphilippe, but the Belgian team still heads into the Opening Weekend with plenty of firepower. On Sunday, Tim Merlier will lead the team in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, while the young Frenchman Paul Magnier is considered one of the outsiders for Saturday’s race. Magnier spoke with VTM after his course recon.

Within the peloton, Magnier’s name has long been recognized as that of a rising star. In his first professional season in 2024, he already claimed five victories, some of them while still just 19 years old. He kicked off 2025 with a win in the Étoile de Bessèges, followed by a second-place finish in stage two before withdrawing from the race along with much of the peloton.

He then traveled to Portugal, where he sprinted to second place behind solo winner António Morgado. After that, he moved to the Algarve—not to race, but to train in preparation for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, staying somewhat under the radar.

"It went well, but it’s going to be a tough race," the young talent said after his reconnaissance. "Positioning will be crucial, and on the steep climbs, it all comes down to the legs. Of course, I’ll do my best. This winter, I was able to prepare well, but I’m still young. If it doesn’t work out this year, there will be other years when it might. But I feel good."

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Sport director Peeters: "I see the new Tom Boonen in him"

Sports director Wilfried Peeters—who has seen plenty of top riders over the years—did not hold back his praise when speaking to VTM. "What he has already achieved... we all look at that with great admiration. This is his first time in the Flemish races, and he still has a lot to learn. We’re not worried about his abilities, but experience is very important in these races. We have some seasoned veterans on the team, and they need to guide him."

"In Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, a lot can happen—it’s not the Tour of Flanders. But on the other hand, let’s take it week by week and not put too much pressure on him. I see the new Tom Boonen in him, but he hasn’t done these races much yet. Last year, he only rode Dwars door Vlaanderen. So let’s take it slow and see how it goes."

"I can’t deny that we are all amazed by his abilities. He’s hungry. He’s a young guy with a lot of ambition who sets the bar very high for himself, but we also can’t forget that he’s only twenty years old. These days, young riders are ready much earlier," Peeters added, while keeping expectations in check. "We need to ride a good race and then see where he finishes. Every extra place he gains is one more step forward."

Selection Soudal Quick-Step for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad & Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne 2025

Paul Magnier (Omloop Het Nieuwsblad only)
Casper Pedersen (Omloop Het Nieuwsblad only)
Mattia Cattaneo (Omloop Het Nieuwsblad only)
Pascal Eenkhoorn (Omloop Het Nieuwsblad only)
Gil Gelders (Omloop Het Nieuwsblad only)
Dries Van Gestel 
Yves Lampaert
Tim Merlier (Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne only)
Bert Van Lerberghe (Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne only)
Warre Vangheluwe (Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne only)
Martin Srvcek (Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne only)
Pepijn Reinderink (Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne only)

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