The cycling world is witnessing the emergence of a formidable new talent in Paul Seixas, who has delivered a masterclass in dominance at the 2026 Kolem Baskicka. The 19-year-old Frenchman, riding for the Decathlon CMA CGM team, has not only claimed consecutive stage victories but has done so with a level of authority rarely seen in a debut WorldTour performance.
Seixas first signaled his intent on Monday with a commanding win in the opening individual time trial in Bilbao. Covering the 13.8 km hilly course with an average speed of 48.3 km/h, he finished 23 seconds ahead of fellow countryman Kévin Vauquelin, securing his first-ever victory at the WorldTour level according to Sport.cz.
Although, it was the second stage that truly elevated Seixas from a promising talent to a genuine sensation. In a display reminiscent of Tadej Pogačar’s aggressive racing style, Seixas attacked on the most grueling climb of the day, distancing the entire field well before the finish line. He crossed the line unchallenged, extending his overall lead to a substantial 1 minute and 59 seconds as reported by iDNES.cz.
This sequence of victories represents a significant shift in the race dynamics, leaving established veterans and favorites struggling to keep pace with the teenager’s explosive power and tactical confidence.
A Dominant Start in Bilbao
The opening act of the 2026 Kolem Baskicka set the stage for Seixas’s current run. The 13.8 km time trial through the streets of Bilbao was designed to test both aerobic capacity and the ability to handle undulating terrain. Seixas navigated the course in 17:09, establishing a gap that left the competition fighting for the remaining podium spots per Sportnet.
The gap between Seixas and the rest of the field was stark. Kévin Vauquelin (Ineos Grenadiers) finished second, 23 seconds back, while Austria’s Felix Grossschartner (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) took third place, just one second ahead of former two-time winner Primož Roglič via Sport.cz. Other favorites suffered more significant losses; Spain’s Juan Ayuso finished 38th, trailing by 1 minute and 16 seconds, while Mexico’s Isaac del Toro finished 13th with a deficit of 51 seconds.
Reflecting on the win, Seixas attributed the success to a meticulously executed plan and the support of his team, noting that the victory provided a necessary boost in confidence. However, he remained grounded, acknowledging that the race was only just beginning and that caution was required given the unpredictability of professional cycling.
The Pogačar-esque Attack of Stage Two
If the time trial proved Seixas’s versatility, the second stage proved his raw climbing power. The route from Pamplona to Astitzu, spanning 164 km, featured the formidable San Miquel de Aralar—a first-category climb stretching 9.4 km with an average gradient of 7.9% per Sportnet.
In a bold tactical move, Seixas launched an attack on this critical ascent, breaking away from the group long before the summit. This aggressive approach, characterized by a high-risk, high-reward strategy, drew immediate comparisons to the dominant style of Tadej Pogačar. By the time the race reached its conclusion, Seixas had not only secured his second stage win but had expanded his lead in the general classification to 1:59 via iDNES.cz.
The sheer margin of victory in the second stage underscores the gap in current form between the young Frenchman and the rest of the WorldTour peloton. To win both a technical time trial and a mountain-heavy road stage in such a short window is a feat that marks Seixas as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport today.
Stage 1 Final Standings (Time Trial)
| Rank | Rider | Team | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Seixas (FRA) | Decathlon CMA CGM | 17:09 |
| 2 | Kévin Vauquelin (FRA) | Ineos Grenadiers | + 23 s |
| 3 | Felix Grossschartner (AUT) | UAE Team Emirates-XRG | + 27 s |
| 4 | Primož Roglič (SLO) | Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe | + 28 s |
| 5 | Ilan Van Wilder (BEL) | Soudal Quick-Step | + 29 s |
What This Means for the General Classification
With a lead approaching two minutes after only two days of racing, Paul Seixas has shifted the pressure onto the shoulders of the established favorites. The Decathlon CMA CGM rider now wears the leader’s jersey, a position that requires both physical endurance and the mental fortitude to defend against the tactical maneuvers of the world’s best teams.
The impact of these results is particularly felt by the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe squad. Their leaders, including Primož Roglič and Florian Lipowitz, found themselves significantly outmatched by the teenager in the opening stages per Sportnet. For the veterans of the peloton, the emergence of a rider who can dominate both against the clock and on the steepest gradients represents a new challenge in race strategy.
The cycling community is now watching to see if Seixas can maintain this momentum. While his current form is undeniable, the Kolem Baskicka is known for its grueling terrain and the ability to wear down even the strongest riders over multiple days. The question is no longer whether Seixas can compete, but whether any other rider possesses the legs to reel him back in.
As the race continues, the focus will remain on whether the established stars can find a way to isolate the young Frenchman or if we are witnessing the birth of a new era of dominance in professional cycling.
The race continues with the remaining stages of the Kolem Baskicka. Further updates on the general classification and stage results will be available as the event progresses.
Do you think Paul Seixas can hold onto his lead, or will the veterans mount a comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments below.