'I would have liked them to be there' – Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Pogačar and Vingegaard at Dauphiné, his Tour de France 'rehearsal'

Paul Seixas, the promising 19-year-old French rider from Decathlon CMA CGM, is preparing for his final major tune-up ahead of his debut at the Tour de France with the upcoming Tour-Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, formerly known as the Critérium du Dauphiné. Despite the race traditionally attracting the biggest Tour contenders, this year’s edition will be missing key figures such as four-time Tour champion Tadej Pogačar and his main rival Jonas Vingegaard. Seixas expressed disappointment at their absence, noting that competing against the sport’s elite would be an invaluable test and opportunity for growth ahead of the Grand Départ in Barcelona. Seixas spoke candidly about his respect for both Pogačar and Vingegaard, acknowledging their dominance in recent years and the challenge they represent. While he admits to dreaming of one day beating Pogačar, he remains grounded and realistic about his current position in the sport. The young rider emphasised his focus on competing and improving rather than indulging in premature ambitions, highlighting his humility despite his rapid rise and growing reputation. The intense media spotlight surrounding Seixas ahead of the Tour is another new challenge he is learning to manage with maturity. He views the Dauphiné as a rehearsal not only for the physical demands of the Tour but also for handling the increased attention and pressure that come with being a leading contender. Seixas has undertaken a rigorous training regime, including high-altitude preparation and reconnaissance of key climbs like the Col du Tourmalet, to ensure he arrives at the race physically fresh and mentally ready. Coming off a breakthrough season that included victories and podium finishes in prestigious races such as La Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Seixas is considered among the favourites for the Dauphiné. However, he remains cautious and focused on recovery and consistency rather than outright victory. Racing on roads familiar from his home region adds a personal significance to the event, and he acknowledges the importance of managing his efforts carefully to avoid exhaustion, a lesson learned from last year’s experience. Seixas’s main rivals in the Dauphiné will include riders like Isaac del Toro and Juan Ayuso, who both withdrew from the recent Basque Country race. While he welcomes the chance to face familiar competitors again, he stresses that each race is a fresh challenge. With the Tour de France looming, this week represents a crucial step in his development as he seeks to build on his early promise and establish himself among cycling’s elite.