PAUL MAGNIER | Finding Speed: Aero Testing, Lead-Outs, Giro Experience & What’s Next

We catch up with Paul Magnier at Soudal Quick-Step’s altitude camp in Tignes at the end of July to go behind the scenes of his sprinting, training and the technology helping him find another level. We talk aero testing and wind-tunnel development, the Castelli Sanremo 8S Veloce speed suit, lead-out trains, sprint positioning, gym work and explosive power, as well as the technology being developed to improve rider safety, including airbag systems. At just 22, Paul has already racked up 32 professional victories, including three Giro d’Italia stage wins, the Ciclamino jersey and a WorldTour one-day victory. But he’s not stopping there – his ambition is to reach 100 career wins and, one day, become world champion. We also look back at his breakthrough Giro experience, what it’s like going head-to-head with the fastest sprinters in the world, and how his confidence, instinct and understanding of the sprint have evolved. Because at this level, winning isn’t just about producing more watts. It’s about finding speed everywhere. You don’t want to miss this one. It’s a great conversation about speed, confidence, technology and the relentless pursuit of the perfect sprint. We hope you'll enjoy this one! TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 05:15 Quick-fire: Paul Magnier on sprinting, instinct and speed 08:36 Beating some of the world’s fastest sprinters 10:28 Race instinct vs. data: finding the fastest line 11:23 The dream lead-out: Jasper, Dries & Fabio 16:08 Building more explosive power for 2026 17:15 Box jumps, gym work and the sprint “kick” 18:14 The Giro’s special 150-year Castelli jersey 19:01 Developing Paul’s prototype sprint aero suit 22:17 Why Tim Merlier raced in Paul’s suit 23:14 Sprint position, handlebars and aerodynamics 25:14 The surprising science of aero fabrics 27:40 What could the future of cycling technology look like? 28:11 Inside the new cycling airbag safety project 31:20 WorldTour wins, the Classics and 100 career victories 32:38 Paul’s goals for the rest of 2026 33:58 Pure sprinter or future Classics rider? 35:07 Mountainbiking 38:24 Seven hours and 5,000m of climbing… tomorrow 40:24 The Sanremo 8S Veloce: built with professional riders 42:02 Post-recording update: Paul’s race program **– LINKS –** Other podcast episode with Paul Magnier: Sprint Power & Classic Dreams (2024) https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000699990338 Cycling’s Fastest Young Sprinter (2025) https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000735689566 Sprint Secrets (2025) https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/castelli-cycling-podcast/id1669906821?l=en-GB&i=1000736461228 **CONNECT ⁠** ⁠Paul Magnier Instagram⁠ **– HOST –** Søren Jensen, Global Marketing Manager at Castelli, has worked for this iconic brand since 2006. He usually rides backroads and dirt trails, testing new gear in the Italian Dolomites. If you can't find him there, check the Castelli Headquarters in Fonzaso. Connect: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ **SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION** If you want your questions to be answered on air, be sure to submit your questions by sending us a message on social media or by email to ⁠⁠podcast@castelli-cycling.com⁠⁠ Video and Photo credits: Ashley & Jered Gruber: https://www.instagram.com/jeredgruber https://www.instagram.com/ashleygruber Sam Bauget: https://www.instagram.com/sam\_has\_a\_camera Wout Beel: https://www.instagram.com/wout.beeld * * * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.