"Unlikely to catch up with Pogacar": Paul Magnier's discoverer talks about his breakthrough autumn with 12 victories

With 12 victories in his last 15 races, young Frenchman Paul Magnier is having a spectacular end to the season. At 21 years old, the Soudal - Quick-Step rider is turning every finish line into a podium. What's behind this transformation? His discoverer, Johan Molly, offers some keys to the success of this new jewel of world cycling.

Paul Magnier never ceases to amaze. After shining in the GP de Fourmies, he signed 4 stage victories in both the Tour de Slovaquie as well as at the CRO Race. Now, in the demanding Tour of Guangxi, he already accumulates 3 consecutive victories and aims for more.

"Last night I had a video call with Paul and he told me he wanted to win four stages in China. I'm hoping for five," laughs Johan Molly, the scout who discovered the French sprinter. "He's in a brilliant moment, he looks happy and strong." But the outlook wasn't always so rosy.

At the beginning of the year, Magnier had high ambitions: to measure himself against the big names in the Flemish classics. However, the plan didn't go as he had hoped. "At Gent-Wevelgem I already realized that something wasn't right," Molly recalls. "On the first climb up the Kemmelberg he seemed to be fine, but then he completely shut down."

The problem was in the preparation. Magnier had focused his training on explosiveness, neglecting endurance. The result: a bodybuilder-style muscular body, but without the endurance needed to perform in the classics. Even his teammate Tim Merlier, also a sprinter on the team, warned him not to overdo it with physical development.

To save his season, Magnier made a key decision: change his coach. He put himself in the hands of Frederik Broché, former Belgian Cycling coach, and the effect was immediate. "At the Heistse Pijl we saw the real Paul again," says Molly. "He had regained freshness, agility, he no longer looked like a bodybuilder."

With 17 wins so far this season, Magnier is behind only Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar, who has 20. "To match him he would have to win the overall classification of the Tour of Guangxi, which is unlikely," admits Molly. "But don't underestimate his qualities as a climber. As a junior he was third in the Classique des Alpes."

Magnier, therefore, could have a more complete profile than many assume: he is not only a fearsome sprinter, but also a capable rider on more demanding terrain.

Magnier's rise raises a logical question: will there be an internal rivalry with Tim Merlier, also a 16-race winner this year? "Not at all," Molly assures. "They get along very well. Tim is still number one and has experience facing the best like Olav Kooij. Although Paul can beat him, Tim offers more guarantees for now."

The team is already thinking about reinforcing the sprint train around Magnier. Although the arrival of Edward Planckaert did not materialize, a replacement is on the way, Molly confirms.

Magnier currently leads the general classification after three wins in the first three stages. The remaining stages could offer him further opportunities to shine, although the more mountainous days will be a real test.