"I don't think I'm finished yet with mountain biking" - Paul Magnier would like to focus on MTB at some point in the future, with aim for Olympics

Paul Magnier is one of the young talents who will turn professional in 2024. Bronze medallist from the last U23 European Championships signed a three-year contract with Soudal-QuickStep after having stood out this year with Trinity Racing. However, Magnier is also a talented mountain biker who won a bronze medal in the junior cross-country event at the 2022 World Championships.

However, with the transition to WorldTour, the 19-year-old will have to focus more on the road: "I don't think I'm finished yet with mountain biking, but I've already seen a lot. While on the road I still have a lot to see and learn," Magnier told Directvelo. "I had the opportunity to learn with the Soudal Quick-Step and I decided to take it."

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If his road program allows it, Magnier could still take part in some MTB races next year: "The objective would be to be able to do a championship next year, both in France and in Europe. If there is a shirt worth picking up, why not? And if I do it, I want to do it well and prepare accordingly, so there will probably be two-three preparation races before."

Although for now the focus is more on the road, Magnier does not rule out a greater commitment to MTB in the coming years: "I'm focusing on doing my best on the road, in the WorldTour. But if I can find my place, like Pidcock or Van Der Poel, why not do like them?" Participation in the Olympics could lead the 19-year-old towards a greater commitment in off-road racing, even if not in the 2024 ones: "The Olympics are a dream. Especially on mountain bikes. I tell myself that it might be interesting to do a program for a year in which I focus completely on the discipline. And having an Olympic experience is daring."

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