'I have never seen anything like this' – Paul Seixas sends warning to Pogačar and Evenepoel for Liège-Bastogne-Liège with 'masterclass' on Ardennes debut

Paul Seixas has announced himself as a major contender in the Ardennes Classics after his stunning victory at La Flèche Wallonne, becoming the youngest-ever winner and only the second rider to triumph on debut in the race’s history. The 19-year-old Frenchman, riding for Decathlon CMA CGM, delivered a commanding performance on the Mur de Huy, climbing it in the third fastest time ever recorded. His team executed a flawless strategy, setting a relentless pace that softened the race before Seixas unleashed his decisive attack, signalling his arrival among the sport’s elite. Decathlon CMA CGM’s Sports Director Julien Jurdie lavished praise on Seixas, describing him as an extraordinary talent and the best rider he has worked with in his 25-year career. Jurdie compared the young rider to established stars such as Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel, highlighting Seixas’s rare ability to excel in both stage races and one-day classics. The team’s confidence in their young leader was evident, as they approached the race as favourites, and Jurdie acknowledged the enormous pressure they felt, which Seixas managed with remarkable composure and natural talent. Despite the glowing accolades, Seixas himself remained grounded when discussing his prospects for the upcoming Liège-Bastogne-Liège, a race he won as a junior and will contest in only his second professional Monument. He recognised the challenge posed by Pogačar and Evenepoel, describing Pogačar as possibly the greatest rider of all time and admitting he is not yet at that level. Nevertheless, Seixas expressed determination to continue improving and competing at the highest level, signalling a willingness to learn and grow as he prepares to face the sport’s biggest names on a much tougher course. The implications of Seixas’s breakthrough are significant for the Ardennes season and beyond. His victory disrupts the established hierarchy and injects fresh excitement into the rivalry between Pogačar and Evenepoel, with the young Frenchman now firmly in the mix. As Liège-Bastogne-Liège approaches, all eyes will be on Seixas to see if he can back up his debut masterclass with another strong performance against the world’s best, potentially signalling the rise of a new star in electric motorsport and cycling’s classic races.