Strap in — because today’s episode is an absolute sprint-finish thriller!

We’re joined by one of the most exciting young riders in world cycling: Paul Magnier of Soudal–Quick-Step — a 21-year-old French powerhouse already rewriting what’s possible in the pro peloton.

In just two seasons, Magnier has exploded to the top tier of world cycling with 24 victories, making him statistically the most successful rider of his generation, ahead of Evenepoel, Pogačar, van der Poel, and Sagan at the same age.

Fresh off five straight wins at the Tour of Guangxi and a breakout year featuring 19 victories, a podium at Omloop, and his first Giro d’Italia, Paul sits down with us to reveal:

- How he stays calm in the chaos of 70km/h bunch sprints

- The mental toughness needed to perform under WorldTour pressure

- Lead-out strategy secrets and Wolfpack sprint dynamics

- Life as cycling’s next superstar — and staying humble along the way

- Off-season life in Grenoble, MTB roots & why the Gabba is a winter essential

Whether you're a sprinter chasing speed, a cycling fan hungry for behind-the-scenes insight, or just fascinated by the next generation shaking up the sport—this episode is packed with firepower.

If you’re obsessed with sprint finishes, race psychology, or want actionable tips to get faster, this episode is packed with firepower for you.

🎧 Plus: this is Part 1 of a two-episode deep-dive—next week we go all-in on sprint technique, training, gym work, and how YOU can become faster!

Hit follow, leave a rating, and join the Castelli community!

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

01:45 – 2025 snapshot

04:51 – Guangxi, High-Five, and season wrap

06:26 – Race load and rise, 24 wins in only two seasons

08:27 – From MTB to WorldTour; Wolfpack confidence

10:32 – Off-season reset and home base

13:02 – Quick-fire: 1700W, favorite kit, dream wins

15:25 – Sprint craft: instinct, lead-outs, launch at 200 m

24:45 – Race reps, staying calm, reading rival trains

31:21 – Aero at 70+ km/h; Merlier mentorship; strength work

38:30 – Staying grounded, French wave, goals and Part 2

50:25 – Outro

– LINKS –

Podcast episode with Paul ahead of the 2025 season:

⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠

⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

CONNECT

Paul Magnier Instagram

– HOST –

Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso.

CONNECT ⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjensen77/

Credits: Play Sports Network / Eurosport, GettyImages

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