Quick-Step wonder Paul Magnier doesn't hide his ambitions: "I want to be world champion one day"

The Soudal - Quick-Step dynamic duo Luke Lamperti and Paul Magnier toook the professional peloton by storm at the start of 2024 with the latter winning stages on Mallorca and in Oman.

Since then, Magnier kept slightly lower profile, but has found his winning legs again in the biggest U23 events; Course de la Paix and Giro Next Gen. At the Italian mini-Giro, he's already won two stages with two more days of racing to complete. Of course he also comfortably leads the points classification - something he still has to get used to.

"I want to be world champion one day," Magnier tells Eurosport without a hesitation about his biggest dream. But the 20-year-old quickly adds on to the list. "I also want to wear the yellow jersey of the Tour de France, but not in just any way. After a victory in a sprint, that wouldn't be bad (smiles). Racing for the general classification doesn't interest me too much at the moment."

Naturally, there are also shorter term objectives for the Frenchman. For example his debut at the classics in 2025. "Next year I am expected to focus on the classics. I'm on the right team for that. I have a big burst of speed. I like sprinting better and better, but I also get over the bumps quite well. This year, I was a little young to take part in this type of race. Next year it will be something else. The Tour of Flanders makes me dream. Paris-Roubaix too."

Magnier mentions sprinting as his main weapon, but it didn't always draw him in this direction, peforming well on all types of terrains in juniors. "It's funny because, when I was little, I didn't imagine myself being a sprinter at all. Sprinters never made me dream. I didn't necessarily have an idol."