Tadej Pogačar Claims Historic Third-Straight Liège-Bastogne-Liège Title in Thrilling Duel with Rising Star Paul Seixas
LIÈGE, Belgium — The cycling world witnessed a spectacle on the legendary roads of the Ardennes on Sunday as Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar etched his name deeper into the history books by securing his third consecutive victory at the prestigious Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The 25-year-old world champion delivered a masterclass in endurance and tactical brilliance, but not before being pushed to his absolute limits by an unexpected challenger: 19-year-old French sensation Paul Seixas. Their dramatic showdown on the final ascent of the Côte de la Redoute will be remembered as one of the most electrifying finishes in recent Classics history.
Pogačar, riding for UAE Team Emirates, crossed the finish line in Ans with a time of 6 hours, 12 minutes, and 5 seconds, just two seconds ahead of Seixas, who was making his debut in the race’s elite category. The margin was razor-thin, but the significance of Pogačar’s achievement was anything but. With this victory, he became only the fourth rider in the 132-year history of the race to win three consecutive editions, joining an elite club that includes cycling legends Eddy Merckx, Moreno Argentin, and Alejandro Valverde. “I was already preparing to sprint because he was so strong,” Pogačar admitted after the race, his voice still tinged with the adrenaline of the moment. “Paul gave me everything I could handle today.”
The Liège-Bastogne-Liège, often referred to as “La Doyenne” (The Old Lady) for its status as the oldest of the five Monuments of cycling, is renowned for its grueling 258-kilometer route, which features 11 categorized climbs through the rolling hills of Belgium’s Wallonia region. This year’s edition was no exception, with cold, damp conditions adding an extra layer of challenge for the peloton. Yet, it was the final 30 kilometers that would define the race, as Pogačar and Seixas broke away from the pack and engaged in a tactical duel that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
The Rise of Paul Seixas: A Star Is Born
Whereas Pogačar’s dominance in the Ardennes Classics has grow a familiar narrative, the emergence of Paul Seixas as his closest rival was the story that captivated fans and pundits alike. The French teenager, riding for the French Continental team CIC U Nantes Atlantique, announced his arrival on the WorldTour stage with a performance that belied his age and experience. Seixas, who turned professional just last year, has been drawing comparisons to Pogačar himself for his climbing prowess, aggressive racing style, and precocious talent. “He’s a special rider,” Pogačar said of his young rival. “He has the legs and the mind of a champion. I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the years to come.”
Seixas’ journey to the podium in Liège was nothing short of remarkable. Born in Bordeaux, France, in 2006, he began cycling at the age of six and quickly rose through the ranks of the French junior circuit. By 2023, he had already made waves by winning the French Junior Road Race Championship and finishing second in the Junior World Road Race Championships. His transition to the professional ranks in 2025 was seamless, with early-season performances hinting at his potential. However, few expected him to challenge Pogačar so fiercely in his first appearance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, a race known for its brutal selectivity and tactical complexity.
Seixas’ fearless approach was evident throughout the race. He attacked repeatedly on the Côte de Stockeu, a steep 1-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 12.5%, and later on the Côte de la Redoute, where he and Pogačar distanced the rest of the field. “I came here to test myself against the best, and Tadej is the best,” Seixas said after the race. “I knew it would be hard, but I wanted to see how far I could proceed. I’m proud of what I did today, even if I didn’t win.” His performance earned him not only the admiration of the cycling world but also the Combativity Award, given to the rider who demonstrates the most aggressive and attacking racing style.
A Race for the Ages: How the Duel Unfolded
The 2026 edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège began under overcast skies in the city of Liège, with 175 riders setting off on the 258-kilometer journey to Ans. The early kilometers were marked by a series of attacks, but none managed to gain significant traction as the peloton, led by Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates, controlled the pace. The first major selection occurred on the Côte de Stockeu, where a group of 20 riders, including Pogačar and Seixas, broke away from the main field. Among them were other top contenders such as Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step), Primoz Roglic (Bora-Hansgrohe), and Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers).
As the race entered its decisive phase, the Côte de la Redoute, a 2.1-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 8.9%, proved to be the crucible that forged the final showdown. With 30 kilometers remaining, Seixas launched a daring attack, forcing Pogačar to dig deep to respond. The Slovenian, known for his explosive climbing ability, quickly bridged the gap, and the two riders soon found themselves alone at the front of the race. What followed was a breathtaking display of tactical acumen and raw power, as the two riders traded attacks and counterattacks over the remaining climbs, including the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons and the final ascent to Ans.
In the closing kilometers, Pogačar appeared to have the upper hand, but Seixas refused to yield. As they approached the finish line, the young Frenchman launched one final surge, nearly overtaking Pogačar before the Slovenian found an extra gear to hold him off. The margin of victory—just two seconds—was the smallest in the race’s history since 2017, when Alejandro Valverde edged out Dan Martin by a similar margin. “I thought I had him in the last 200 meters,” Seixas admitted. “But Tadej is a machine. He never gives up.”
Pogačar’s Legacy and the Future of the Ardennes Classics
Pogačar’s third consecutive victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège cements his status as one of the greatest Classics riders of his generation. His dominance in the Ardennes—he has now won Flèche Wallonne twice and Liège-Bastogne-Liège three times—has drawn comparisons to the legendary Eddy Merckx, who won both races multiple times during his illustrious career. “Tadej is rewriting the history books,” said Brian Holm, a former professional cyclist and current sports director at UAE Team Emirates. “What he’s doing in the Classics is unprecedented for a rider of his age. He’s not just winning; he’s winning in style.”
Yet, Pogačar’s triumph in Liège was not just a personal milestone; it also marked a shift in the dynamics of the Ardennes Classics. For years, the races have been dominated by a minor group of riders, including Valverde, Evenepoel, and Julian Alaphilippe. However, the emergence of young talents like Seixas, as well as the resurgence of riders like Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), suggests that the next era of Classics racing will be defined by a new generation of stars. “The level is getting higher every year,” Pogačar said. “You can’t just rely on experience anymore. You have to be strong, smart, and ready to suffer.”
For Seixas, the future is bright. His performance in Liège has already earned him a spot on the radar of several WorldTour teams, and rumors are swirling about a potential move to a top-tier squad in 2027. “Paul has everything it takes to be a champion,” said Cyrille Guimard, a legendary French cycling coach and former directeur sportif. “He’s got the power, the intelligence, and the mentality. If he keeps progressing like this, he could be winning Monuments before he turns 21.”
What’s Next for Pogačar and Seixas?
With the Ardennes Classics now behind him, Pogačar will shift his focus to the Giro d’Italia, which begins on May 10 in Turin, Italy. The Slovenian has already won the Tour de France twice (2020 and 2021) and the Vuelta a España once (2023), but a victory in the Giro would make him only the seventh rider in history to complete the Grand Tour triple crown. “I’m really excited for the Giro,” Pogačar said. “It’s a race I’ve always wanted to win, and I think this year could be my best chance.”
As for Seixas, his next major objective will be the Tour de l’Avenir, often referred to as the “Tour de France for young riders,” which takes place in August. The race has served as a launching pad for many future stars, including Pogačar himself, who won it in 2018. “I aim for to utilize this season to learn and grow,” Seixas said. “Liège was an amazing experience, but I know I still have a lot to improve. I’m just happy to be here and to have the chance to race against the best in the world.”
Key Takeaways from the 2026 Liège-Bastogne-Liège
- Historic Victory: Tadej Pogačar became only the fourth rider to win Liège-Bastogne-Liège three consecutive times, joining Eddy Merckx, Moreno Argentin, and Alejandro Valverde.
- Star Is Born: 19-year-old Paul Seixas announced his arrival on the WorldTour stage with a stunning second-place finish, pushing Pogačar to his limits in a thrilling duel.
- Tactical Masterclass: The race was defined by a dramatic showdown on the Côte de la Redoute, where Pogačar and Seixas broke away from the peloton and engaged in a tactical battle for the ages.
- Narrowest Margin: Pogačar’s victory by just two seconds was the smallest margin of victory in the race since 2017.
- Future of the Classics: The emergence of young talents like Seixas signals a shift in the dynamics of the Ardennes Classics, with a new generation of riders poised to challenge the established order.
FAQ: Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026
What is Liège-Bastogne-Liège?
Liège-Bastogne-Liège is one of the five Monuments of cycling, the oldest and most prestigious one-day races in the sport. Often referred to as “La Doyenne” (The Old Lady), it was first held in 1892 and is known for its grueling 258-kilometer route through the Ardennes region of Belgium. The race is part of the UCI WorldTour and is considered one of the most challenging Classics due to its steep climbs and unpredictable weather conditions.
Who is Tadej Pogačar?
Tadej Pogačar is a 25-year-old Slovenian professional cyclist who rides for UAE Team Emirates. He is a two-time winner of the Tour de France (2020, 2021), a winner of the Vuelta a España (2023), and the reigning UCI Road World Champion. Pogačar is widely regarded as one of the best all-around riders in the world, with a particular talent for climbing and one-day Classics.
Who is Paul Seixas?
Paul Seixas is a 19-year-old French professional cyclist who currently rides for the French Continental team CIC U Nantes Atlantique. Born in Bordeaux, Seixas has quickly risen through the ranks of the sport, winning the French Junior Road Race Championship in 2023 and finishing second in the Junior World Road Race Championships. His performance at the 2026 Liège-Bastogne-Liège marked his debut in the race’s elite category and earned him widespread acclaim.
What makes Liège-Bastogne-Liège so difficult?
The race’s difficulty stems from its combination of distance, elevation, and terrain. The 258-kilometer route includes 11 categorized climbs, with the final 100 kilometers featuring some of the steepest and most technical ascents in the Ardennes. The Côte de la Redoute, Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons, and the final ascent to Ans are particularly notorious for their gradients, which can exceed 10%. The race is often held in cold, wet conditions, adding an extra layer of challenge for the riders.
What’s next for Tadej Pogačar and Paul Seixas?
Pogačar will next compete in the Giro d’Italia, which begins on May 10 in Turin. He has stated that winning the Giro is one of his major objectives for the 2026 season. Seixas, meanwhile, will focus on the Tour de l’Avenir in August, a race that has served as a stepping stone for many future stars, including Pogačar himself.
As the cycling world turns its attention to the next chapter of the 2026 season, one thing is clear: the rivalry between Tadej Pogačar and Paul Seixas is just beginning. Their thrilling duel in Liège has set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable era in the sport. For now, Pogačar can savor his historic victory, but the young Frenchman has already proven that he is a force to be reckoned with. The Ardennes Classics will never be the same.
What did you think of Pogačar’s historic win? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #PogacarSeixasShowdown.