Paul Seixas is set to challenge the cycling world's elite at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, with the 2026 Monument on the horizon. The 19-year-old French star has already proven his mettle, finishing fifth at Il Lombardia and dominating Itzulia Basque Country. With Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel as his main rivals, Seixas is expected to make a strong showing in the race. However, the real question is whether he should make his Tour de France debut this year.
Seixas' talent is undeniable, and his recent success has only added to the speculation. His second-place finish at the Volta ao Algarve and stage win were impressive, and his performance at Strade Bianche further solidified his potential. But, as Oliver Naesen, his teammate at Decathlon-CMA CGM, points out, Seixas' age and the pressure on him to succeed in the Tour de France are significant factors.
Naesen believes that Seixas has a better chance of success in Flèche Wallonne than in Liège, and he's not alone in this opinion. Jonas Decleer, an HLN journalist, also rates Seixas as a top favorite for Liège, alongside Pogačar, with Evenepoel a step below them. This suggests that Seixas has the potential to compete with the best in the sport, but the pressure of the Tour de France may be too much for him to handle.
The French cycling community is eagerly awaiting a home winner, and Seixas is seen as a potential savior. However, the team wants to keep the pressure off him, and Naesen suggests that Seixas should be sent to the Tour now, before the expectations become too high. If he finishes 12th or better, it would be a tremendous success, especially for someone his age.
Seixas' future is uncertain, with rumors circulating about his contract and interest from other teams. But, for now, he remains a key player for Decathlon, and Naesen believes he should stay with the team until at least 2028 to have a chance at winning the Tour de France.
The Ardennes Classics will be a crucial test for Seixas, and his performance in Flèche Wallonne and Liège will determine his future. The cycling world is watching, and the pressure is on. Will Seixas rise to the occasion and make his mark on the sport?
