A warning to Pogačar and Vingegaard? Paul Seixas claims several Strava KOMs on Col du Tourmalet during recon of Tour de France mountain stage

Paul Seixas has made a striking statement ahead of his Tour de France debut by setting several Strava King of the Mountain (KOM) records on the Col du Tourmalet during reconnaissance rides of the sixth stage. The 19-year-old French rider, fresh from an intensive altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada, tackled key ascents including the Col d'Aspin and the iconic Tourmalet, where he notably beat the previous segment record by 35 seconds. These efforts underline his exceptional climbing ability and readiness for the challenging Pyrenean terrain that awaits in July. Seixas’ recent training rides covered significant distances and elevation gains, reflecting his meticulous preparation for the Tour. While training times cannot be equated directly with race conditions due to the absence of peloton dynamics and race-day pressures, his performances nonetheless signal a rider in formidable form. The Strava KOMs, though unofficial, offer a glimpse of his potential to challenge established stars such as Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, both of whom are also gearing up for the Tour with their own tailored pre-race plans. The young Frenchman’s rapid rise has already turned heads this season, with victories at Itzulia Basque Country and La Flèche Wallonne, and strong showings in prestigious Classics. His upcoming participation in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes—formerly the Critérium du Dauphiné—will serve as a crucial indicator of his readiness, especially as he enters the race as a favourite in the absence of his main Tour rivals. Success here would not only boost his confidence but also heighten expectations for his maiden Tour de France campaign. Seixas faces immense pressure as France’s most promising hope to end a 41-year drought without a French Tour winner. His debut will be tested early, with a demanding opening week featuring a team time trial and multiple mountain stages. Should he deliver strong performances in these initial tests and at the Dauphiné, the cycling world will be watching closely to see if he can translate his training prowess and early season form into a genuine challenge for the yellow jersey.