From climber to 'part of the big sprinters in the world' – Paul Magnier's rapid rise continues with Giro d'Italia double, but fast finishes weren't always his aim

Paul Magnier, the 22-year-old French cyclist, has rapidly established himself as a leading sprinter on the world stage, securing his second stage win in just three days at the Giro d’Italia. His recent victories, including a commanding sprint finish in Sofia on stage three, mark a significant transformation from his earlier ambitions as a climber and puncheur. Having transitioned from mountain biking to road racing between 2021 and 2023, Magnier only fully embraced sprinting after joining the Soudal-QuickStep team, where his explosive power and tactical acumen have flourished. Magnier’s swift ascent is underscored by his impressive tally of 27 professional wins, 21 of which have come in the past 59 race days, highlighting his growing dominance in fast finishes. His debut at last year’s Giro was primarily for experience, but he already showed promise with three top-ten stage finishes before withdrawing mid-race. This season, his ability to position himself perfectly in the final 200 metres, aided by a strong lead-out from teammates like Jasper Stuyven, has been key to his success, allowing him to outpace some of the sport’s most established sprinters. Reflecting on his progress, Magnier acknowledged that he initially aimed to be a climber but quickly realised sprinting was his true strength as he developed physically and honed his explosive capabilities. He credited his team’s support and his growing confidence for his recent victories, describing them as some of the most significant of his career. Despite a crash affecting competitors on stage one, his stage three win was a clear demonstration of his sprinting prowess in a full bunch finish, reinforcing his status among the elite sprinters. Looking ahead, Magnier plans to continue targeting stage wins throughout the Giro and has set his sights on the maglia ciclamino, the points classification jersey, which he has already worn for two days. He expressed enthusiasm for the race’s high profile and the opportunity it provides to raise his name within the cycling world. With his current form and determination, Magnier is poised to remain a formidable contender in the sprint finishes as the Giro progresses towards its finale in Rome.