"My number one goal is the Classics" - Evenepoel's departure and Merlier's rule push Paul Magnier into exploring classics talent

Paul Magnier is an incredibly talented rider and one of Soudal - Quick-Step's brightest figures. With the Belgian team moving back into its classics focus Magnier himself could become a clear leader, and the Frenchman wants to go all-out this spring as the team has its other needs covered.

"The Tour de France doesn't seem like a priority for me right now. Tim Merlier is really focused on it at the moment. For my part, I prefer to continue training and aim for the other Grand Tours, like the Giro, as well as the Classics," Magnier shared in words to Cyclism'Actu. However he assures: "I'm really looking forward to my own participation in the Tour in the coming years".

Magnier is a top sprinter and this year was the second most victorious male rider, storming through the last month of the season racking up over a dozen wins alone at the Tour of Slovakia, Cro Race and Tour of Guangxi. This came after a heavy World Tour schedule and in the spring he rode to several strong results, including second places in races such as the Figueira Champions Classic and Omloop het Nieuwsblad where the climbs were quite steep and explosive. He has shown clear talent and is a rider that can be compared to Arnaud de Lie, who also divides his focus between the two.

"My number one goal is the Classics, but also the sprints. I've discovered a real talent for sprinting, and I'd like to improve in the Classics. This year, we'll have a much stronger team, with riders like [Jasper] Stuyven and [Dylan] van Baarle. That will allow us to arrive with a solid team, and it's up to me to find my place."

"With Remco Evenepoel's departure, new opportunities have opened up". The extra budget that the team had to play with has been directed back to the types of races where it originally thrived in. Jasper Stuyven and Dylan van Baarle will be its new classics leaders bringing in plenty experience; whilst Alberto Dainese has also been signed to be a third sprinting option alongside Magnier and Tim Merlier. 

"The team has always been very focused on the Classics. The arrival of new riders who are very strong in this discipline will allow us to rebuild a solid team and go for some great victories." Now, the 21-year old's job is to prove himself in a team full of sharks, in both fields which he thrives in. The spring classics should be a good test for this and will be a big goal of his.

"I came close at the Omloop. It would be great to win, why not the Omloop itself? And then there are races like E3 or Dwars door Vlaanderen, a little lower in the hierarchy but still with a huge level of competition. I put the pressure on myself," he admits. "I want to improve and have fun in the classics. And to have fun, you have to be at the front. That's what I'm going to prepare for next season."