"I didn’t feel unbeatable": Paul Magnier reviews a highly successful 2025

Paul Magnier's 2025 season was one to remember. The young French prodigy won 19 times throughout the year, a tally surpassed only by Tadej Pogacar, and demonstrated he is one of the best and most versatile sprinters in the current peloton despite his young age.

Looking back on his season during an appearance on the team’s Wolfpack Howls podcast, the 21-year-old admitted he had never expected such success. “No, it’s always hard to believe and to predict what’s going to be the next year,” Magnier said.

Magnier turned pro with Soudal - Quick-Step in 2024, scoring five professional victories that year. His main goal for 2025 was to improve that number, and he definitely did. “Every time I’m really motivated for more. I did my first season with five pro victories, and then I was motivated for four more. In the end, it went quite smoothly at the start of the season.”

However, the campaign was not as smooth as it might have seemed. “A few difficulties in April after a few crashes, but then in the end I could really enjoy riding my bike during the summer, and I had a super nice end of the season,” he explained. “I really felt a strong pack around me, full of confidence and motivation, and it was also the same on my side. So it was some really nice few months of racing.”

Despite his rapid rise, Magnier wants to keep his feet on the ground. “I’m only 21 years old, and I still really believe that enjoying life and enjoying riding my bike is the most important thing, and the results will come. When you feel good in your head, good with your team, this is what happens year after year. So it’s really nice to see and be part of it.”

Magnier was absolutely dominant in the late part of the season, scoring 14 victories in September-October. Asked whether he felt unbeatable during that run, he might be the only person that does not think so.

“I didn’t feel unbeatable, because every time you’re on the start line, there are a lot of riders who want to win, but I was in good shape, feeling strong. All my teammates and the staff were really supporting me, and I really felt it. It gave me an extra punch in the final.”

He also reflected on his Grand Tour debut at the Giro d’Italia, where three top 10 in sprint stages highlighted his potential, despite having to abandon the race in stage 16. “I went there without pressure and without expectations. Some media said it was a bad Giro, but for me it was really good. I did two weeks and made a step forward. It was the first time I did more than a one-week race.”

Magnier also spoke about sharing sprint duties with arguably the best sprinter in the world. “I really look at Tim Merlier. He has a lot of experience, has won many races, and can give me advice on preparation, mentally and physically.”

Addressing the idea of internal rivalry, he dismissed it. “Some people think competition is a bad thing, but for us it’s about supporting each other. I’d love to have another competition with 15 victories each in 2026 and fight for number 16.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Magnier was asked how he defines himself as a rider and what are his expectations for the upcoming season. “Someone once said two words to describe Paul Magnier: fast and fun. I like that. My expectation for next year is to continue to progress, make steps in the Classics, be in top shape at the right moments, and of course, I love winning, so I want to win a lot of races.”