'Paul Seixas showed magnificent form until now' – Tadej Pogačar stays alert to the threat of 19-year-old ahead of highly anticipated Liège-Bastogne-Liège face-off

Tadej Pogačar arrives at Liège-Bastogne-Liège fully aware of the formidable competition he faces, particularly from rising star Paul Seixas and established rival Remco Evenepoel. Despite not participating in the earlier Ardennes Classics, Pogačar has closely monitored the form of his rivals and remains alert to the threats they pose as he aims for a fourth victory in the Monument. Having previously raced both Evenepoel and Seixas once each, he acknowledges their strength but maintains confidence in his own preparation ahead of just his fifth race of the season. The 19-year-old Frenchman Seixas has impressed with his recent performances, notably setting a rapid time on the Mur de Huy and securing victory at La Flèche Wallonne. Pogačar praised Seixas’s momentum and motivation, highlighting the young rider’s potential to challenge for the win. However, he also emphasised that the race will be wide open, with numerous contenders capable of seizing victory, underscoring the depth of talent assembled for the demanding Ardennes classic. Pogačar’s approach to the race is characterised by calm confidence and a focus on endurance and team support rather than intricate tactical planning. Having dominated the past two editions of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, he is well versed in the demands of the hilly course and is optimistic about his form following a recent reconnaissance ride. He noted that while the route has been slightly altered with additional climbs, the race’s decisive moments will likely still come on the key ascents in the final 40 kilometres, where fatigue ultimately determines the winner. The addition of more climbing to the middle section of the course has prompted speculation about how the race might unfold, with the possibility of early attacks from strong teams. Pogačar compared the endurance demands of Liège to those of Roubaix, highlighting the importance of stamina over the six-hour race duration. As the riders prepare to tackle the challenging terrain, the anticipation builds for a fiercely contested battle that could see new talents like Seixas rise to the fore or established champions like Pogačar reaffirm their dominance.