"Every week I received a call, or a message, from Alaphilippe" - Paul Magnier on what convinced him that joining Soudal - Quick-Step was the right choice

Paul Magnier ready for professional debut. After competing in 2023 with the continental team Trinity Racing, the French rider signed a three-year contract with Soudal - Quick-Step. Despite mononucleosis, the first-year U23 managed a good year, with second place in final stage of Tour du Limousin and bronze medal from U23 European Championships.

"My contacts with Soudal date back to my second year as a Junior," explains Magnier to Directvelo. "I then did internships with them in December and January. But I didn't sign right away, because I had doubts between the development team or the WorldTour. Then I got sick and that delayed everything. I told myself I would do a year of development, then two years of WorldTour, but finally, I thought I could go straight to the WorldTour."

"They were the only team that continued to trust me during my mononucleosis. Every week I received a call, or a message, from Alaphilippe. It warmed my heart and I felt that they trusted me and despite the mediocre start to the season I had, they still wanted to sign me. He played a role in my choice."

Magnier completed an internship with the Belgian team which allowed him to get to know the other riders and the internal organization of the team. "I love when everything is linear, when everything is professional and during my internship I saw that it was exactly like that and I can count on the experience of the whole team, of the staff," he adds. "They know how to win big races. It's truly an honor to join this team, they have a great history in cycling."