Figueira Champions Classic

Impressive runner-up for Magnier in Portugal

Paul Magnier confirmed again there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to him, taking a fantastic runner-up spot at the third edition of the Figueira Champions Classic, a race whose hilly and selective route was more suited to the puncheurs than to the fast men. The Frenchman, who came here after picking up a win on home turf at the Étoile de Bessèges, showed his versatility Sunday afternoon, when he delivered Soudal Quick-Step’s ninth podium of the season, with the support of an outstanding Ilan Van Wilder.

The 193km race once again kicked to life on the local circuit, where numerous attacks came from those determined to split the peloton and dispatch the sprinters. Van Wilder – making his first appearance of the season here – was among those who tried to open up a decisive gap, but the others responded and the peloton, albeit a small one, remained compact until the last 20 kilometers.

It was there that Antonio Morgado (UAE Team Emirates) attacked and soloed to victory, despite a huge effort of Ilan. The Belgian took some incredibly long pulls and emptied himself, almost erasing the gap of the Portuguese, cutting it a massive 35 seconds in the space of just ten kilometers. Thanks to his teammate’s enormous self-sacrifice, Paul could show his speed in the finale, taking second in Figueira da Foz.

“It was a very hard race, but the entire team did a great job and put me in a good position ahead of the climbs. The goal was to make it back every time I got dropped and I managed to do that in the downhill with the help of Gil. On the last lap, Ilan pulled hard and it was thanks to him that I began thinking of the win. One guy was stronger today in the end, but nevertheless, I am happy with the result and proud of the team”, said Paul, whose next appointment of the season will come at the beginning of March, in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

Photo credit: ©Wout Beel