Paul Magnier turns down Red Bull-BORA approach

Paul Magnier will remain with Soudal Quick-Step after deciding against a move to Red Bull-BORA hansgrohe. The German WorldTour team wanted to bring in the French sprinter, but its attempt to recruit him has failed and Magnier has chosen to continue with his current project.

Magnier, 22, is under contract with Soudal Quick-Step until 2029. Red Bull-BORA hansgrohe had explored the possibility of taking over that agreement and also saw a link with Remco Evenepoel, whom Magnier previously shared a team with. The discussions took place, but they did not lead to a deal.

The rider says he is comfortable in Soudal Quick-Step’s sprint structure, where he has a lead-out and support during races. He also has full confidence in the Belgian team and its plans to build a group around him for the classics and sprint races. That commitment ends the immediate speculation over his future.

Red Bull-BORA hansgrohe must now look elsewhere for sprint reinforcements, particularly if Belgian rider Jordi Meeus leaves for Lidl-Trek as expected. Magnier’s decision keeps one of cycling’s young French sprint prospects tied to the Quick-Step project for the foreseeable future.