"It's a dream, because I'm one of Mathieu van der Poel's biggest fans" - Paul Magnier mixes it up with his hero in finale of Le Samyn 2025

Soudal - Quick-Step prospect Paul Magnier continues to forge a very impressive reputation for himself in 2025. After finishing runner-up to Mathieu van der Poel at Le Samyn 2025, it's now five straight podium finishes for the 20-year-old Frenchman in his five completed race days this campaign.

Despite ultimately missing out on the win to Van der Poel in the finale, Magnier could an incredibly happy figure after the race. "It's a dream, because I'm one of Van der Poel's biggest fans," reflects the Soudal - Quick-Step prodigy in his post-race interview, full of praise for Alpecin-Deceuninck's former world champion. "I'm really happy with the result, because it's already a dream to be able to ride against him."

"Saturday I was a bit disappointed (2nd at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad ed.), because I could have won. But now I'm happy," continues Magnier, who has been touted by his own Soudal - Quick-Step team as 'the new Tom Boonen'. "Mathieu came up with an acceleration. It had already been a fight to be in his wheel. At the end he had an acceleration that we didn't have anymore."