Paul Seixas, the 19-year-old French cycling prodigy, is set to make his Tour de France debut as the youngest rider since 1937. Despite the monumental challenge of facing four-time champion Tadej Pogacar and double Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard, Seixas remains unfazed. 'There are different ways to win a cycling race,' he said, showcasing his confidence.
Seixas Fever in Barcelona
On the eve of the Tour's Grand Départ in Barcelona, excitement surrounds Seixas. He stated, 'I feel ready to give everything I have and to achieve the best result possible. I am not setting myself a more specific goal because I am heading into the unknown, having never raced an event this long and demanding before.' Seixas has amassed thousands of kilometres of altitude training in Sierra Nevada and Les Arcs, preparing for the gruelling three-week race.
Comparisons to Kylian Mbappé
French media have drawn parallels between Seixas and football star Kylian Mbappé, with L'Equipe headlining 'Vivement Juillet!' and adding 'No pressure!' after Seixas announced his Tour debut in May. His performances have sparked speculation about his future, with top teams, including Pogacar's UAE Team Emirates XRG, reportedly interested. Seixas is expected to soon command a higher market value than Pogacar himself.
Recovery from Crash
Seixas insists he is 'in top form' despite a heavy crash less than a month ago during the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. 'After my abandon, I was able to resume my preparation almost as planned, with a few adjustments to some training sessions because of my injuries,' he explained. The crash on a sinuous descent highlighted his youth, but his positive attitude has dismissed concerns. Asked if the Tour daunts him, he said: 'It is more about seeing how my recovery is after 10 to 15 days. It is more about questions than fears.'
Head-to-Head with Pogacar
Seixas has already rivalled Pogacar this season with explosive attacks. In April's Liège–Bastogne–Liège, he nearly beat the Slovenian, who later praised him: 'He is very mature for his age. He rides with his heart, without overthinking.' Seixas also won the Itzulia Basque Country stage race, Faun-Ardeche Classic, and La Flèche Wallonne. Pogacar, meanwhile, has enjoyed a stellar season, winning the Tour of Switzerland, Milan-Sanremo, Tour of Romandie, Strade Bianche, Tour of Flanders, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Support from Experienced Team
Seixas benefits from the guidance of Luke Rowe, a sports director at Decathlon CMA CGM who rode in five consecutive Tour-winning teams with Sky. 'He races with no fear. He just goes for it,' Rowe said. The team also includes Geraint Thomas, now director of racing at Netcompany Ineos, another admirer of Seixas. Both men have high hopes for Saturday's opening team time trial through Barcelona to the uphill finish in Montjuïc Olympic park.
Other Contenders
Beyond Seixas and Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard and double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel are key contenders. Pogacar also highlighted his teammate Isaac Del Toro, a prodigious Mexican rider, as a potential winner. 'Isaac is a very important member of this team. We are aiming to win the Tour and we will try to achieve that,' Pogacar said. The opening weekend is expected to be the 'Paul and Pogi' show, with others biding their time.
