Paul Seixas: The Rising Star of Cycling Who Nearly Dethroned Tadej Pogačar
In the rugged hills of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, a new name etched itself into cycling’s history books this week. Nineteen-year-old French sensation Paul Seixas delivered a performance that left the sport’s elite stunned, finishing second behind the indomitable Tadej Pogačar in one of cycling’s most grueling one-day races. The result wasn’t just a podium finish—it was a statement. Seixas, barely out of his teens, pushed the two-time Tour de France champion to his absolute limits, sparking conversations about the future of professional cycling and the arrival of its next superstar.
Seixas’s near-victory in the 2026 edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, often called “La Doyenne” for its status as the oldest of cycling’s five Monuments, has sent shockwaves through the peloton. His performance wasn’t just a flash in the pan; it was the culmination of years of quiet progression, guided by a team that believes he is destined for greatness. Julien Jurdie, the sports director of Seixas’s team, told DirectVelo in the aftermath of the race, “Paul will continue to improve.” The words carry weight, not just given that of Jurdie’s experience, but because of what Seixas has already achieved at such a young age.
A Race for the Ages: Seixas vs. Pogačar
The 2026 Liège-Bastogne-Liège will be remembered as one of the most dramatic editions in recent memory. The race, which covers 258 kilometers through the Ardennes region of Belgium, is notorious for its punishing climbs and unpredictable weather. This year, it delivered a spectacle: a head-to-head duel between Pogačar, the reigning king of one-day races, and Seixas, the teenager who refused to yield.
Pogačar, riding for UAE Team Emirates, entered the race as the overwhelming favorite. The Slovenian had already claimed his third consecutive victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and his palmares included 13 Monument wins—a record that places him among the greatest cyclists of all time. But Seixas, a relative unknown outside of cycling’s inner circles, was undeterred. Riding for TotalEnergies, the Frenchman attacked on the final climb of the Côte de la Redoute, a legendary ascent that has decided countless editions of the race. For a moment, it looked as though Seixas might pull off the impossible. Pogačar, however, dug deep, summoning a final surge to overtake Seixas in the closing meters and secure his fourth victory in Liège.
The margin of victory was razor-thin: just three seconds separated the two riders at the finish line. For Seixas, the result was bittersweet. On one hand, he had just become the youngest rider in history to finish on the podium of a Monument. On the other, he had come agonizingly close to toppling the sport’s dominant force. Le Monde described the duel as “a summit of savagery in a mad race,” capturing the raw intensity of the battle between the two riders.
Who Is Paul Seixas?
Paul Seixas’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Born on March 15, 2007, in Bordeaux, France, Seixas began cycling at the age of six, following in the footsteps of his father, a former amateur cyclist. His talent was evident early on, and by the time he turned 16, he was already competing at the junior level, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young riders in Europe.
Seixas’s breakthrough came in 2024 when he won the junior world road race championship in Glasgow, Scotland. The victory marked him as a rider to watch, but few could have predicted how quickly he would transition to the professional ranks. In 2025, at just 18 years old, Seixas signed his first professional contract with TotalEnergies, a French UCI ProTeam. His debut season was impressive, with top-10 finishes in several prestigious races, including the Tour de l’Avenir, often considered the “Tour de France for young riders.”
What sets Seixas apart is his versatility. Unlike many young riders who specialize in either climbing or sprinting, Seixas has shown an ability to excel in both disciplines. His climbing prowess was on full display in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where he matched Pogačar pedal stroke for pedal stroke on the race’s most challenging ascents. But he is also a capable sprinter, a skill that could make him a formidable contender in stage races like the Tour de France.
The Mentor Behind the Prodigy
Behind every rising star is a mentor who helps shape their career, and for Seixas, that figure is Julien Jurdie. Jurdie, a former professional cyclist, has been the sports director of TotalEnergies since 2020. His role extends beyond race strategy; he is a trusted advisor and confidant to the team’s young riders, guiding them through the pressures of professional cycling.
In an interview with DirectVelo following Seixas’s performance in Liège, Jurdie was effusive in his praise for the young Frenchman. “Paul will continue to progress,” he said, emphasizing that Seixas’s potential is far from being fully realized. Jurdie’s confidence in Seixas is not just based on his recent performances but on his operate ethic and mental resilience. “He has the maturity of a rider twice his age,” Jurdie added. “He knows how to suffer, and he knows how to win.”
Jurdie’s assessment is shared by others in the cycling world. Eurosport quoted an unnamed team director who said, “The only thing that scares me about Seixas is that nothing has happened to him yet.” The comment underscores the fragility of young careers in cycling, where injuries and setbacks can derail even the most promising talents. For now, however, Seixas appears to be on a trajectory that could see him become one of the sport’s greats.
What’s Next for Seixas?
Seixas’s performance in Liège-Bastogne-Liège has catapulted him into the spotlight, but the young rider remains focused on the road ahead. His next major objective is likely to be the Tour de France, which begins on June 28, 2026. While it is unusual for a rider of his age to compete in the Tour, Seixas’s team has hinted that he could be included in their squad, provided he continues to perform at a high level in the lead-up races.
If Seixas does make his Tour de France debut this year, he will become one of the youngest riders in history to compete in the race. The last teenager to ride the Tour was Lance Armstrong in 1993, and before that, you have to go back to 1965 to identify another rider under 20. Seixas’s inclusion would be a gamble, but given his performances this season, it is a gamble that his team may be willing to take.
Beyond the Tour, Seixas’s calendar is packed with opportunities to further prove himself. He is expected to compete in the Critérium du Dauphiné, a key warm-up race for the Tour de France, as well as the French national championships. If he continues to progress at his current rate, he could also be a contender for the road race at the UCI Road World Championships, which will be held in Montreal, Canada, in September.
The Impact of Seixas’s Rise
Seixas’s emergence comes at a time when cycling is in desperate require of new stars. The sport has been dominated by a handful of riders in recent years, with Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Mathieu van der Poel often stealing the spotlight. While these riders are undeniably talented, their dominance has led to concerns about the lack of depth in the peloton. Seixas’s rise offers a glimmer of hope for fans who are eager to see new faces competing for the sport’s biggest prizes.
His success also highlights the strength of French cycling, which has seen a resurgence in recent years. France has produced a number of young talents, including Romain Grégoire, who won the 2023 UCI Road World Championships for the under-23 category, and Lenny Martinez, who finished second in the 2024 Giro d’Italia. Seixas’s performance in Liège-Bastogne-Liège is the latest example of France’s cycling renaissance, and it has reignited hopes that the country could produce a Tour de France champion for the first time since Bernard Hinault in 1985.
For Seixas himself, the road ahead is filled with challenges. The pressures of professional cycling are immense, and the expectations placed on young riders can be overwhelming. However, if his performance in Liège-Bastogne-Liège is any indication, Seixas has the talent and the temperament to handle the spotlight. As Jurdie put it, “Paul will continue to progress.” If that progress continues at its current pace, the cycling world may soon have a new champion to cheer for.
Key Takeaways
- Historic Performance: Paul Seixas became the youngest rider in history to finish on the podium of a Monument, finishing second in the 2026 Liège-Bastogne-Liège behind Tadej Pogačar.
- Rising Star: At just 19 years old, Seixas has already established himself as one of the most promising young riders in professional cycling, with a junior world championship and impressive performances in his debut professional season.
- Versatile Talent: Seixas is a rare talent who excels in both climbing and sprinting, making him a potential contender in both one-day races and stage races like the Tour de France.
- Mentorship Matters: Julien Jurdie, the sports director of TotalEnergies, has played a crucial role in Seixas’s development, offering guidance and support as the young rider navigates the pressures of professional cycling.
- Future Prospects: Seixas is expected to compete in the Tour de France later this year, where he could become one of the youngest riders in history to participate in the race.
- French Cycling Renaissance: Seixas’s rise is part of a broader resurgence in French cycling, which has produced a number of young talents in recent years.
What Happens Next?
Seixas’s next confirmed race is the Critérium du Dauphiné, which begins on June 1, 2026. The race, which covers eight stages in the French Alps, is widely regarded as the final preparation for the Tour de France. If Seixas performs well in the Dauphiné, he is likely to be included in TotalEnergies’s squad for the Tour, which starts later that month.
For now, cycling fans around the world will be watching Seixas closely, eager to see if he can build on his breakthrough performance in Liège-Bastogne-Liège. One thing is certain: the sport has found its next great talent, and the future looks brighter than ever.
What do you think of Paul Seixas’s performance in Liège-Bastogne-Liège? Do you believe he has what it takes to win a Monument or the Tour de France in the coming years? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.