Already winner of four stages on the Tour de Slovakia two weeks ago, Paul Magnier won the 16th victory of his career (at 21 years old) this Tuesday on the occasion of the 1st stage of the Tour de Croatia.
He is not (yet?) The best known French runner, but he is the most victorious this year 2025, by far! This Tuesday, Paul Magnier won his eleventh victory of the season, on the occasion of the first stage of the Tour de Croatia. While the cycling cadors clash on the Rwandan roads of the world championships and Dromo-Ardes of the European Championships, the 21-year-old sprinter competes with less importance races, where he accumulates victories and experience.
After winning four of the five stages of the Tour de Slovakia two weeks ago, the Soudal-Quick Step is aligned on the Tour de Croatia, where he won Sinj this Tuesday, ahead of the Dutch Danny Van Poppel (Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe) and the Israeli Oded Kogut (Israel-Premier Tech), (a 2nd category coast, a 3rd rib).
Arrival on an island Wednesday
“It’s great! During my last race, I chained several victories. It is also thanks to the colossal work of the team. Even today, I can really thank them. We did a great job in Slovakia, we trained a lot with (Dries) Van Gestel (his pilot fish, editor’s note) to get a good lead, and he was still incredible today, so I’m really happy. We are very confident together, and I hope it will continue. I will first savor this first victory this evening, then we will see tomorrow. It depends on the wind and the last two ascents, but the legs are good and I hope to have as many opportunities as possible here, ”reacted the French runner on arrival.
Wednesday, the 2nd stage (out of 6 in total) will indeed see the runners climbing a 3rd category coast and then another 2nd, in a profile similar to that of the 1st stage, but they will arrive on an island, and the wind could have a role to play.
