Soudal Quick-Step’s Frenchman was the only sprinter in the top ten.
Paul Magnier made it into the top three at the 85th edition of the Circuit Franco-Belge, a demanding Belgian one-day race that took place Wednesday afternoon, in the province of Hainaut. It was an action-packed day of racing, but despite the numerous attacks that came in the last hour and the many hills on the 195.6km course, it culminated in a reduced sprint, just like last year.
Our team controlled the closing kilometers of the race after a hectic day in the saddle, bringing back the various riders who attacked and keeping things together as the peloton gradually increased the speed in anticipation of the uphill finish in Mont-de-l’Enclus. The final kilometer was a selective one, featuring a punishing 10% section just before the line, so not just raw power, but also timing and positioning were essential there.
With the help of his teammates, Paul started the climb well-placed, but the gradient in what was his first appearance since the Giro d’Italia proved to be a bit too much for the Frenchman after a hard day in the saddle. Despite this, he was still capable of an impressive effort and took third behind Corbin Strong (NSN Cycling) for his eighth top-three finish of the season.
I’m happy with this result, especially as I had some cramps in the finale.
“It was too demanding for a sprinter and suited the punchers more, and the fact that the race was so difficult played to their advantage. I gave everything I had, but those cramps took their toll in the last 200 meters. I did my best, and as I said, I’m satisfied with this place on the podium and the strong performance of the whole team. I enjoyed being here today in my first appearance since concluding the Giro”, Paul said at the finish.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
