'This validates the work I put in' – French teenager scores another first with WorldTour victory

French cycling prodigy Paul Seixas has secured his first WorldTour victory with a commanding performance in the opening time trial stage of the Itzulia Basque Country. The 19-year-old Decathlon CMA CGM rider, who previously claimed his maiden professional win at the Volta ao Algarve earlier this year, showcased his versatility by excelling against the clock. Seixas posted the fastest time, holding off established rivals including Primož Roglič and Florian Lipowitz, to claim a decisive 23-second margin of victory. Seixas’s triumph is particularly notable given the calibre of his competition and the nature of the course. While his earlier successes came in hilly road races, this time trial win highlights his all-round capabilities and dedication to improving in a discipline he has long favoured. The young Frenchman’s performance underlines his rapid development as a second-year professional and signals his potential as a general classification contender in stage races. Reflecting on his breakthrough, Seixas expressed both surprise and satisfaction with his result, emphasising the importance of his preparation and the support from his coach and team. He acknowledged the difficulty of the remaining stages in the Basque Country race, which include challenging mountain finishes, but remains optimistic about his chances to hold onto the overall lead. His victory serves as a validation of the hard work he has invested since the start of the season and his recent training camp in Nice. Currently leading the six-stage race, Seixas holds a 23-second advantage over fellow Frenchman Vauquelin, with Felix Großschartner trailing closely. The coming days promise intense competition, particularly with the only summit finish scheduled for the following stage, which will test Seixas’s resilience and tactical acumen. His ability to defend the leader’s jersey against experienced climbers will be a key storyline as the race progresses towards its conclusion on Saturday.