‘Nothing is impossible’ – Paul Seixas bruised but up for the fight on final day of Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Paul Seixas demonstrated remarkable resilience on the final day of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes despite suffering significant injuries in a crash the previous day. After a dramatic penultimate stage where he endured abrasions and struggled to hold his handlebars, Seixas confirmed his intention to start the concluding 120km stage, which featured four major climbs and a summit finish at Plateau de Solaison. His determination to continue was clear as he insisted, “We don’t give up,” underscoring his fighting spirit even when physically compromised. The British rider’s ordeal began with a heavy fall that left him bloodied and barely able to stand, yet he managed a stunning comeback during a frantic 60km chase alongside his teammates. Seixas clawed back a four-minute deficit and finished seventh on the summit stage, earning the combativity award amid visible pain and support from his family. Despite the injuries to his arms, legs, and particularly his hands, he remained sixth overall, trailing the race leader Luke Tuckwell by less than two minutes and close behind other top contenders. Speaking before the final stage, Seixas acknowledged the severity of his condition but emphasised the importance of finishing the race as part of his preparation for the Tour de France. He admitted feeling “quite bad” but was determined to test his limits on the challenging finale. His pragmatic approach, focusing on giving his best and assessing how he felt as the day progressed, highlighted his commitment to both the immediate race and his broader season goals. The final stage’s demanding profile promised a fierce battle, with the potential to reshuffle the general classification. Seixas’s refusal to withdraw despite his injuries not only illustrated his mental toughness but also added an element of suspense to the race’s conclusion. His attitude, encapsulated in the phrase “nothing is impossible,” serves as a testament to the grit required in professional cycling and sets the tone for his ongoing campaign.