Sean Kelly's Classics column: Just like Pogačar, Paul Seixas has the whole package, but he shouldn't ride the Tour this summer

Paul Seixas has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in professional cycling, demonstrating remarkable ability during the recent Liège-Bastogne-Liège, one of the sport’s most prestigious Ardennes Classics. Despite his youth, Seixas matched Tadej Pogačar’s blistering pace on key climbs such as La Redoute, showcasing not only physical strength but also exceptional racecraft and positioning. However, when Pogačar accelerated on the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons, Seixas was unable to respond, highlighting the current gap between the established champion and the rising star. Seixas’ performance confirmed that he possesses the complete skill set required to compete at the highest level, much like Pogačar, who excels in both one-day Monuments and stage races. His ability to maintain a front position and avoid tactical pitfalls during crucial moments underlines his maturity beyond his years. Yet, despite this impressive showing, there remains a debate about whether he should be pushed into the demanding environment of the Tour de France at just 19 years old. Concerns centre on the risk of over-racing and the potential impact on his long-term development. The decision to include Seixas in the Tour squad appears influenced by external factors, possibly linked to contract negotiations or team strategy, though the exact motivations remain unclear. Experienced commentators suggest that it might be more prudent to allow him further seasoning in smaller stage races and one-day events before exposing him to the rigours of the Tour. Meanwhile, Pogačar is shifting focus towards stage racing preparation, targeting the Tour de Romandie and the Tour de Suisse as key build-up events ahead of July’s Grand Départ. In the women’s race, Demi Vollering delivered a dominant performance on La Redoute, launching a powerful seated attack that few riders, male or female, could match. Her decisive move created a gap that proved insurmountable for the chasing group, further cementing her status as a leading force in women’s cycling. The contrasting strategies and physical prowess displayed in both the men’s and women’s races underline the evolving dynamics of the Classics season and set the stage for an exciting summer of racing.