'That's definitely what we're working towards' – Paul Magnier takes aim at Cobbled Classics, not Milan-San Remo, with Tirreno-Adriatico build-up

Paul Magnier, the burgeoning talent from Soudal Quick-Step, has officially set his sights on the upcoming Cobbled Classics, opting to bypass a serious tilt at Milan-San Remo this season. His Tirreno-Adriatico participation is framed as a build-up for the northern monuments, a strategy confirmed by team director Wilfried Peeters, who cited Magnier’s relative inexperience for La Primavera as a key factor. This decision clarifies the young Frenchman's immediate ambitions after a strong start to his professional career.

This strategic pivot is significant for several reasons. Magnier, at just 19, has already demonstrated exceptional raw power, securing two victories at the Challenge Mallorca and a stage at the Tour of Oman. While his sprint prowess might suggest a future in Milan-San Remo, Quick-Step's decision to temper expectations for 'La Primavera' underscores their traditional focus on the Classics and their methodical approach to rider development. It also manages the hype surrounding a rider often touted as a potential successor to the team's 'Wolfpack' legacy.

Ultimately, this is a sensible, albeit slightly conservative, play from Soudal Quick-Step. Rushing a prodigious talent into the deep end of a Monument like San Remo rarely yields immediate dividends; the Classics, however, offer a more structured path for Magnier to hone his formidable engine.