The man of the moment delivered again and earned his 17th win of the year.
Paul Magnier, Ethan Hayter, Paul Magnier, Tim Merlier, Paul Magnier. The last three days have been truly amazing for our team, who is on a roll in the final week of the season, with five consecutive victories delivered by three different riders. The most recent of these came in China, where Paul Magnier became the first rider to win three consecutive stages in a World Tour race this season after another huge sprint, this time in Bama.
On paper, it was the hardest day of the Tour of Guangxi so far, with more than 2300 meters of climbing, but this didn’t stop the Soudal Quick-Step boys from chasing the breakaway again and keeping things together on the final hill, which came inside 15 kilometers to go and featured a short but steep section. Not even a late attack could prevent the longest stage of the week from coming down to a bunch sprint, and Magnier – who rounded the last corner in an excellent position – produced another brilliant sprint and dashed to his 22nd pro victory.
“It was an early start and a long day, but we were all motivated to give our best. We worked hard the entire stage and it’s nice to be rewarded for this with another stage victory here in China. I want to thank my teammates and the staff for all their work and commitment, it’s beautiful to experience this amazing Wolfpack atmosphere on a daily basis. It’s something special, that makes the difference.”
“I’m happy with this success and with retaining the red jersey, but I’m not thinking of the general classification. Our plan is to continue taking it one day at a time, while making the most of every opportunity”, said the youngest rider this century to amass 17 victories in a single season.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
