'The Tour de France doesn't seem like a priority for me right now' - Magnier aims focus towards other goals
French cycling prodigy Paul Magnier has confirmed he won't be participating in the 2026 Tour de France, preferring to focus on developing his talents in the classics and other Grand Tours.
"The Tour de France doesn't seem like a priority for me right now," the 21-year-old Soudal Quick-Step rider told Cyclism'Actu at the 2025 Vélo d'Or ceremony. "Tim Merlier is really focused on it at the moment. For my part, I prefer to continue training and aim for the other Grand Tours, like the Giro, as well as the Classics."
Magnier, who has already shown impressive potential as both a sprinter and classics specialist with over 20 victories in the 2025 season, is now setting his sights on major one day victories next season. The young Frenchman believes Soudal Quick-Step's refreshed roster will provide the platform for his ambitions.
"My number one goal is the Classics, but also the sprints. I've discovered a real talent for sprinting, and I'd like to improve in the Classics," Magnier explained. "This year, we'll have a much stronger team, with riders like Stuyven and Van Baarle. That will allow us to arrive with a solid team, and it's up to me to find my place."
Following Remco Evenepoel's departure, Soudal Quick-Step appears to be returning to its traditional focus on one-day races. Magnier sees this strategic shift as a positive development.
"With Remco Evenepoel's departure, new opportunities have opened up. The team has always been very focused on the Classics," he said. "The arrival of new riders who are very strong in this discipline will allow us to rebuild a solid team and go for some great victories."
While still defining his racing profile, Magnier has clear targets for 2026, including races where he's already shown promise. "I came close at the Omloop. It would be great to win, why not the Omloop itself? And then there are races like E3 or Dwars door Vlaanderen, a little lower in the hierarchy but still with a huge level of competition."
Despite heightened expectations for the coming season, the young French talent insists he embraces the challenge. "I put the pressure on myself. I want to improve and have fun in the classics. And to have fun, you have to be at the front. That's what I'm going to prepare for next season."
When asked about his long-term Tour de France aspirations, Magnier maintained his patience while clearly indicating his future ambitions. "I'm really looking forward to my own participation in the Tour in the coming years," he concluded.
