Winner of four stages apiece in Slovakia and Croatia, Paul Magnier leads the line for the Wolfpack at the last World Tour race of the calendar.
One of the most successful teams since the race was created – with a GC win and eight stage victories to its name – Soudal Quick-Step returns at the start of the Tour of Guangxi between 14-19 October. The season’s final World Tour event, Guangxi has six stages, at least half of which should come down to a bunch sprint, making the fast men present in the race the main contenders for the points jersey.
However, the general classification will once again be an affair between the climbers, with the Nongla Scenic Spot set to serve as the scene of their much-anticipated showdown. The classified climb coming at the end of the penultimate stage is only a couple of kilometers long, but the final kilometer will be a gruelling one, as the average gradient reaches almost 15% and is perfect for those hoping to open some decisive gaps.
One of the most successful riders of the season, with a total of 14 victories in the bag since the month of February, Paul Magnier leads Soudal Quick-Step in China, where he will make his final appearance of the year. Joining the Frenchman on our squad for the sixth edition of the Tour of Guangxi will be Josef Cerny, Antoine Huby, Andrea Raccagni, Dries Van Gestel, Warre Vangheluwe – a stage winner here in 2024 – and Jordi Warlop.
“We are going to Guangxi with a well-balanced and motivated team. We hope to get a stage victory with Paul, but also Antoine and Andrea could do something nice on the hilly terrain, so this gives us confidence in our chances of ending the season on a high. The guys have displayed great form in the last couple of weeks and they are eager to show this again, as well as their hunger for success, in China”, said sports director Kevin Hulsmans.
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