"I can be among the best sprinters in the world" - Paul Magnier confirms Giro d'Italia breakthrough with maglia ciclamino triumph

Paul Magnier has reached the status that he had the potential for throughout the last few years, at last. The Soudal - Quick-Step sprinter has been crowned the Giro d'Italia's new maglia ciclamino after a spotless race in which he was by far the most successful sprinter.

The Frenchman, at a fresh 22 years of age, already has 29 pro wins. Last season he was the second rider to win the most out of the male professionals in the peloton, only behind Tadej Pogacar. Much of that was late in the year on smaller races, however his consistency was beyond any expectations. It could be argued that he was still lacking the quality victories, but he has turned last fall's confidence into results this spring.

“Yeah, it’s true that I think I’ve shown I can be among the best sprinters in the world," Magnier said in Rome this Sunday. After a promising two stage victories at the Volta ao Algarve early in the year, the Frenchman put in the display of a lifetime to win three stages at the Giro d'Italia, where he frequently had to battle the likes of Jonathan Milan and Dylan Groenewegen; whilst also managing the threat of Jhonatan Narváez for the jersey he seeked.

In Rome he was not successful, but he had already achieved more than what the most optimistic forecast could've predicted. "I’d also like to thank the team, who did an exceptional job. I think I had one of the best lead-outs on this stage, and my legs were feeling really strong too,”

A pillar to his success was his leadout, and the team has reached perfection much due to the signing of Jasper Stuyven who was Magnier's key guide throughout the past three weeks. He will continue aiding the team's sprinting ambitions elsewhere now.

“I think Jasper will now focus on the Tour de France with Tim Merlier. I wish them all the best. I think Tim is truly the fastest sprinter in the world, and I hope he’ll be able to shine at the Tour de France. As for me, I’m going to try to rest up to have a strong end to the season," he adds.

In his schedule is the Circuit Franco-Belge and the Muur Classic Geraardsbergen already in the upcoming weeks, races that have been programmed as he looks to maintain his racing rhythm ahead of his next big goal: “I think the main focus will be the French Championships, followed by the end of the season with the Tour de Pologne".