Paul Magnier is ready for the next step but still needs protection
Soudal Quick-Step consider the Frenchman as a possible threat for Milan-San Remo, but the team won't rush his development
Hi subscribers,
It’s 6:30 am, and I’m writing this Magnier story before hitting the road.
Ahead of me, a 400-mile round trip to Leeds to interview the roster at Fensham Howes-MAS Design-CAMS.
I’m really looking forward to it - the interviews, the drive less so - as Fensham have established themselves as the premier men’s junior team in the UK over the last few years, and I can’t wait to showcase the riders on Substack and then watch as their careers take off over the coming years. I’ll also be talking to team boss Giles Pidcock about the state of the UK racing scene for junior riders and the pathway into the WorldTour.
On Tuesday, I’m off to Portugal for the Volta ao Algarve. I’ve always had a soft spot for this race. The scenery, the high-class field, and the organisation are all amazing, and it’s one of my favourite races in Europe.
I’ve made it sound like a holiday, but it’s not, don’t worry. I’ll be doing a lot of work there, producing between two and three stories a day and focusing on race analysis, interviews, and transfers. If I spot any new tech, I’ll snaffle that up, too.
Now’s also a great time to sign up as a Founding Member of the Substack. A big chunk of my audio interviews from Algarve will be posted straight into the WhatsApp group that FMs are eligible to join, and you can subscribe or upgrade your subscription by tapping on the link below.
Finally, just a reminder that I’m on Instagram. I’ll be sharing images from Algarve throughout next week, so if you want to see bikes, riders, and an unhealthy amount of cat photos, come this way.
Right now, though, I need to hit the road.
Have a great Sunday.
Daniel
Paul Magnier returns to racing on Sunday at the Figueira Champions Classic as he looks to maintain the momentum that saw him take his first win of the season on stage 1 of Etoile de Bessèges.
The Frenchman ended up leaving that race early alongside his teammates due to safety concerns, but his stint in Portugal will also include the Volta ao Algarve, where he will line up as one of the hottest sprinters in the field.
Just 20 years of age, Magnier’s reputation is on the rise, and sports director Klaas Lodewyck is keen for the Frenchman to test himself in what is only his second full season in the WorldTour.
“The win on stage 1 was a dream scenario for us and Paul, especially with what happened to him at the end of last year,” Lodewyck said, as he referenced the heavy crash that took Magnier out of last year’s Tour of Britain.