During a recent BKOOL group ride, the 20-year-old Frenchman took some time to answer the fans’ questions and talk about his first year in the pro ranks and future goals.
“Looking back, I can say it has been an amazing debut season. I am delighted with my five wins for the World Tour team and couldn’t have dreamed of a better season. I am happy and proud to be part of such a great squad. Equally important for me is that I have learned a lot this year, and this gives me more confidence for next season.
I was surprised to win my very first race with the team in January.
I knew I had had two good training camps in Spain, but to raise my hands in the air at my first appearance in a Soudal Quick-Step jersey was incredible. The team believed in me that day and after a fantastic effort of the whole guys, I could finish it off in the sprint. It was also my most emotional victory of 2024 because it came so fast, I wasn’t even ready for it. The victories I got at the Tour of Britain have also made for some beautiful memories, because it was truly unbelievable to ride together with Remco and Julian, and have the latter as my lead-out man.
For me and my progression, it was important to ride also with the Devo team, where I was a bit the leader of the squad. I am happy I could take two stage wins and the red jersey at the GiroNextGen, which was such an amazing week for us. I had a great lead-out man there in Andrea Raccagni; it was the first time we raced together, but we had a perfect connection from the beginning in the bunch sprints, where he brought me every time in a great position and I delivered. I’m really happy that we will be teammates next year.
The only downside of the whole season was the crash in Britain that forced me to end my campaign. It’s a pity, because I was in good form and was feeling confident I could bring some more good results for the team. The recovery was long, but now I feel better. I trained a lot on the rollers, did some BKOOL rides and went to the gym to gain muscle in my leg again, and the plan is to continue working on that so that I can be in a good condition at the start of next season.
I hope to do some Belgian Classics in 2025.
These are very hard races, due to the fight for positioning before the climbs and the harsh weather at times – rain, wind and cold temperatures. At the same time, these classics are incredibly beautiful, and I like them a lot. We’ll see if I can also do a Grand Tour, but my main goal is to continue to grow in this team and learn from the more experienced riders.”
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
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Paul Magnier