Itzulia Basque Country: Isolated Paul Seixas clinches first WorldTour stage race title as AJ August wins rain-battered final stage

Paul Seixas of Decathlon CMA CGM secured a remarkable victory at the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country, becoming the first French rider in 19 years to win a WorldTour stage race. Despite dominating the race for five consecutive days, Seixas faced a dramatic challenge on the final stage, which was marked by heavy rain and strong winds. A determined attack by Tobias Johannessen and the Uno-X Mobility team threatened Seixas’s lead, forcing the 19-year-old to chase solo for much of the last hour to protect his overall advantage. The concluding 135.2-kilometre stage featured a fierce battle, with Johannessen starting the day 5:39 behind Seixas and mounting a relentless pursuit alongside four teammates. Meanwhile, Ineos Grenadiers’ AJ August launched a decisive attack on the final Category 3 climb of Asentzio, claiming a solo stage win in what was the biggest triumph of his career. The general classification fight became a tense contest between Johannessen’s group and the isolated Seixas, who was eventually aided by a chasing group led by EF Education-EasyPost, enabling him to hold on despite losing some time. Seixas ultimately finished the race with a 2:30 lead over Florian Lipowitz of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, with Johannessen settling for third place, 2:33 behind. The final day’s harsh weather and aggressive racing tested Seixas’s resilience, but he remained steadfast, crediting his team’s support and his own determination for his success. “It was an insane day, I’m so happy to take the win,” Seixas reflected, highlighting the mental and physical effort required to secure the title. The race also saw notable developments beyond the battle for the yellow jersey. Former double World Champion Julian Alaphilippe withdrew before the final stage, while a strong breakaway featuring riders such as Ben Healy, Mattias Skjelmose, and Marc Soler animated the early part of the day. Johannessen’s late surge underscored the unpredictability of the race, emphasising how quickly fortunes can shift in challenging conditions. Seixas’s victory not only marks a significant milestone for French cycling but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. The young rider’s ability to withstand pressure and adverse weather conditions suggests he will be a formidable contender in future WorldTour events. Meanwhile, AJ August’s breakthrough stage win signals emerging talent within the Ineos Grenadiers squad, adding further intrigue to the evolving competitive landscape.