PAUL MAGNIER | Finding Speed: Aero Testing, Lead-Outs, the Giro & the Road to 100 Wins

We caught 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

05:21 Quick-fire: Paul Magnier on sprinting, instinct and speed

08:36 Beating some of the world’s fastest sprinters

10:00 Recon, Finding the fastest line, Race instinct vs. data

11:26 The dream lead-out: Jasper, Dries & Fabio

16:10 Building more explosive power for 2026

17:00 Box jumps, gym work and the sprint “kick”

17:59 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

25:02 The surprising science of aero fabrics

27:40 What could the future of cycling technology look like?

28:16 Inside the new cycling airbag safety project

31:15 WorldTour wins, the Classics and 100 career victories

33:33 Pure sprinter or future Classics rider?

34:57 Growing up in Grenoble, MTB

38:24 Seven hours and 5,000m of climbing… tomorrow?!?

40:00 The Sanremo 8S Veloce: built and made with pros!

41:50 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

The Rise of the French Powerhouse (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

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