Paul Seixas: "The player's injury will change the balance of power in the World Cup"

Paul Seixas, a 19-year-old French cyclist who finished just behind the winner of this year's Tour de France, believes that Tadej Pogačar’s injury sustained during the Vuelta a España will significantly alter the balance of power at the upcoming World Championships in Montreal. Seixas, currently competing in the selection process for the rainbow jersey, stated that without Pogačar, the competition will become much more open. He is set to compete in the final stages of the selection process on September 27. Following his remarkable debut in the Tour de France, where he narrowly missed victory, Seixas has turned his attention toward the latter part of the season. After completing the French race, he took some time off to spend with family and friends, engaging in light cycling and walking. However, he soon returned to rigorous training sessions. In late August, Seixas embarked on altitude training in Les Arcs, located in the French Alps, where he engaged in intense workouts. One session alone lasted over seven hours, covering 226 kilometers and accumulating nearly five thousand meters of elevation gain. His current focus includes preparing for major one-day races such as the Canadian classics, the World Championships in Montreal, and the Giro di Lombardia. Seixas noted that training for one-day races differs from Grand Tours, emphasizing higher VO2 max levels rather than threshold training. Despite the change in focus, he feels well-prepared after a successful spring and Tour de France campaign. He expressed confidence in his readiness for the final stretch of the season, with the World Championships and Giro di Lombardia being his main targets. Reflecting on Pogačar’s accident, Seixas admitted it was difficult to watch. He described the incident as an unfortunate occurrence that could happen to anyone and expressed hope for Pogačar’s swift recovery. However, he acknowledged that Pogačar’s absence would fundamentally change the nature of the race. If Pogačar does not participate in the World Championships, Seixas anticipates a more open competition. While the field will still consist of top-tier cyclists, the dynamics will shift without Pogačar’s presence. If Pogačar does recover in time, Seixas believes he will once again dictate the racing strategy for competitors. Even if Pogačar is absent, the competition in Montreal will remain fierce. Among the leading contenders are Remco Evenepoel, already a world champion, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Isaac Del Toro. Seixas particularly looks forward to competing against Van der Poel, whom he has followed on television for years. He views Evenepoel as one of the strongest candidates for the world title, noting his unique profile suited for such high-stakes races. For Seixas, the World Championships represent a crucial test following his progress during the Tour de France. The experience gained in three weeks of intense competition has prepared him for the challenges ahead. As a young rider, the opportunity to compete against established stars like Van der Poel and Evenepoel marks a significant step in his career.