Paul Seixas ahead of Strade Bianche: "Don't know if it will be a battle with Tadej Pogacar"

Top favorite Tadej Pogačar has his eye on him, and the international cycling world is eagerly anticipating what the super talented Paul Seixas can achieve on Saturday in Strade Bianche 2026. The young Frenchman admits he is impatient but isn’t sure if he can actually compete with the Slovenian world champion and defending titleholder in the finale. He tells VTM.

The 19-year-old Seixas impressively won the Faun-Ardèche Classic last weekend and secured his first pro victory a week and a half earlier at the Volta ao Algarve. Coincidentally or not, that was also where Tadej Pogačar earned his first win as a professional rider. "I’m impatient," he laughs about the feeling dominating before the start. "I look forward to challenging the other riders. And on this beautiful course. It’s amazing to be here."

Whether the Frenchman from Decathlon CMA CGM can immediately play a role in the finale remains to be seen. "Do I feel ready to battle with Pogačar? I don’t know if it will come to a fight against him. The feeling is definitely good. My legs feel strong, and that’s the most important. We’ll see what the race brings."