Paul Seixas, a 19-year-old cycling prodigy, has made waves in the world of professional cycling with his impressive performance at the Strade Bianche race. Seixas, who is eight years younger than the reigning world champion Tadej Pogačar, finished just one minute behind him, a testament to his talent and potential. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering he dropped Pogačar's teammate, Isaac del Toro, who had been marking him for much of the race.
Seixas' Decathlon CMA CGM team played a crucial role in his success, but it's clear that he possesses something truly special. The young Frenchman has already achieved notable victories, including the junior world championship time trial in 2024 and the Tour de l’Avenir. He also placed third in the European road race championship, behind Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel, and finished seventh in Il Lombardia.
His 2026 season has been equally impressive. Seixas took his first pro win in mid-February, winning a stage of the Volta ao Algarve, beating top riders like Juan Ayuso, João Almeida, and Oscar Onley. He followed this up with a victory in the Faun-Ardèche Classic, finishing almost two minutes ahead of the next riders after a 42km solo breakaway.
The Strade Bianche race presented a significant challenge, as Pogačar made his move 80km from the finish. Seixas was the only one able to bridge the gap, but he eventually cracked and was caught by Del Toro. Seixas revealed that Del Toro's tactics, including pacing him, contributed to his delay. Despite this, Seixas' performance against the world champion was commendable.
The minute-long gap between Seixas and Pogačar is a source of encouragement for the young cyclist. Seixas acknowledges that Pogačar is the best rider in the world and expresses no regrets, but he is determined to close the gap. He believes that his recent strong performances and confidence will continue to grow, and he aims to dominate the sport in the same way Pogačar is currently dominating.
Seixas' loyalty to the Decathlon setup, which supported him as a junior, has led him to turn down offers from other teams like UAE Emirates XRG, Soudal Quick-Step, Lidl-Trek, EF Education EasyPost, and Groupama-FDJ. He values the familiar team and environment, stating that it has helped him develop and achieve his current success. Seixas' upward trajectory is evident, and he is poised to continue his impressive journey in the cycling world.
Looking ahead, Seixas is set to compete in the Itzulia Basque Country and the Ardennes Classics, where he will likely face Pogačar again. The Strade Bianche result will boost his confidence and belief in his ability to achieve big results in these upcoming races. Seixas' talent, combined with his determination and team support, positions him as a rider with a bright future in professional cycling.
