"I’ll remember this Giro for many years": Paul Magnier looks ahead to new targets after Giro success

Paul Magnier wrapped up his Giro d’Italia without adding a fourth stage win, but that did little to dent an outstanding campaign for the Frenchman. The Soudal - Quick-Step sprinter left Italy with three stage victories and the Maglia Ciclamino awarded to the race’s top sprinter.

After completing the first Grand Tour of his career, Magnier assessed three weeks in which he confirmed his potential among the fastest men in the bunch, winning the special jersey in the points classification.

The Frenchman broke down during the sprint on the final stage and later admitted that a tactical choice cost him the chance to fight for the win in the last metres. "I think I made a small mistake with about 500 or 600 metres to go by moving up too early. I always prefer that to getting boxed in, but I felt I ran out of speed and the others came past with a lot of momentum," he said.

Magnier admitted it might have been wiser to let a few rivals roll through at that point, though he preferred to focus on the positives banked over the race.

Far from dwelling on the final day, the Frenchman underlined the overall success of his Giro. Entering the race as former two-time points classification winner Jonathan Milan's main challenger, Magnier not only put up a great fight against the Lidl-Trek, but even triumphed in three head-to-head encounters. And would've very likely won for the fourth in Napoli if not for the critical crash on wet cobbles.

But that's not much of a worry to Magnier now, shifting focus to the positives: "We’ll try to keep the good memories of these three stage wins and the maglia ciclamino," he said.

He also believes this run showed he can trade blows with the world’s best specialists. "I think I’ve shown I can be among the top sprinters in the international peloton."

Magnier was keen to highlight the work of his Soudal - Quick-Step teammates in the bunch sprints. "The team did an exceptional job. I had really good legs and that combination worked perfectly," he noted.

He described this Giro as an unforgettable experience that will sit among his finest sporting memories. "It’s been an exceptional Giro and I’ll remember it for many years."

With the Italian race concluded, Magnier explained he will take some recovery time before returning to competition. Meanwhile, he stressed that a core group of the team will focus much of its effort on the upcoming Tour de France, where Jasper and Tim Merlier will lead the sprints. "I wish them the best. I truly believe Tim is the fastest sprinter in the world and I hope he can show it."

As for his own goals, the Frenchman is clear about the next big date on his calendar. "I’m going to rest and recharge. The main target will be the French Championships in a month."

Before tackling the final stretch of the season, Magnier also plans to race the Circuit Franco-Belge, the Muur Classic Geraardsbergen, the Tour de Pologne and the Renewi Tour, before reassessing how the rest of his schedule evolves.