'Just being able to follow him is already something' – Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Liège, and Pogačar is expecting him to start the Tour de France

Paul Seixas delivered a significant performance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, showcasing his potential as a rising star in cycling by matching the relentless pace set by Tadej Pogačar on the iconic climb of La Redoute. Despite being only in his second Monument race, Seixas demonstrated remarkable endurance and tactical acumen, helping his UAE Team Emirates control the race and positioning himself directly behind Pogačar during the crucial moments. Although ultimately dropped on the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons, Seixas’s ability to stay with the Slovenian World Champion for so long marked a clear step forward in his career. Seixas was candid about the challenge, acknowledging the sheer physical demand of following Pogačar’s attacks and the mental toughness required to remain on his wheel. He highlighted the importance of his team’s support and the experience gained from previous races, noting that this performance reflected his growing stamina and ability to compete at the highest level in long, grueling races. The young Frenchman admitted he was exhausted by the effort but proud of how he contributed to the race dynamics, even sharing the workload at the front when the pair broke away from the rest of the field. Pogačar himself expressed respect for Seixas’s strength and tenacity, recognising the Frenchman as a serious contender and predicting that he would be a key figure at the upcoming Tour de France. The mutual respect between the two was evident in their post-race interaction, with Pogačar acknowledging how Seixas pushed him to his limits and Seixas appreciating the champion’s dominance on the day. This rivalry hints at an exciting future for French cycling, with Seixas poised to challenge the established hierarchy. Looking ahead, Seixas is expected to confirm his race programme soon, with discussions planned regarding his participation in the Tour de France. While he refrained from making any definitive announcements immediately after the race, the anticipation around his next steps is high. His breakthrough performance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège not only cements his status as a promising talent but also signals that he could be a major player in the sport’s biggest events in the near future.