Paul Seixas: Strade Bianche Podium & Criticism of UAE Team Emirates Tactics

SIENA, Italy – The cycling world continues to be captivated by the emergence of 19-year-old Paul Seixas. The French talent from Decathlon CMA CGM delivered a remarkable performance on Saturday, finishing second in his debut at Strade Bianche. While Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates–XRG claimed a dominant victory – his fourth at the event – Seixas’s post-race comments regarding the tactics employed by Pogačar’s team and specifically Isaac del Toro, have added another layer of intrigue to an already compelling race.

“Second place was the highest possible result for me today,” Seixas said immediately after the race, acknowledging Pogačar’s superiority. “He was like he was in 2024 and 2025 – one or two steps better than the rest.” Despite the respect for his rival, Seixas didn’t shy away from expressing his frustration with the race dynamics, particularly the role played by del Toro.

The crux of Seixas’s concern centered on a series of incidents on the Monte Sante Marie climb, where Pogačar launched the decisive attack. According to Seixas, del Toro repeatedly impeded his attempts to respond to the world champion’s acceleration. “It was a bit strange, because when he attacked I tried to follow. But Del Toro blocked me afterwards – not once or twice, but three times. They chose to play the race that way,” Seixas stated, carefully choosing his words to convey his dissatisfaction without outright accusation.

The impact of del Toro’s actions, Seixas explained, was significant. “I then tried to close the gap, but when Pogačar has twenty or thirty metres, that is already a huge distance,” he continued. “I got close again, but it was about five hundred metres too much. On top of that, I could see that Pogačar was controlling his effort. He looked behind and simply didn’t want me on his wheel.” This suggests a coordinated effort by UAE Team Emirates–XRG to not only distance Pogačar from his rivals but also to actively prevent Seixas from bridging the gap.

The race didn’t end there for Seixas and del Toro. In the closing kilometers, the two riders found themselves clear of the remaining chasers, battling for the remaining podium spot. Seixas ultimately prevailed, dropping del Toro on the steep climb to the Piazza del Campo in Siena. “It was very hard, because Del Toro didn’t want to work – which is understandable with Pogačar up the road,” Seixas acknowledged. “The fact that I was still able to drop him on the final climb is incredible,” he concluded, finding a measure of satisfaction in securing second place despite the earlier frustrations.

Seixas’s performance at Strade Bianche marks a significant step forward for the young Frenchman. A stage win and second overall at the Volta ao Algarve, followed by a victory at the Faun Ardèche Classic, had already signaled his potential. Now, with a strong showing against the world’s best on a challenging course like Strade Bianche, he has firmly established himself as a rider to watch.

The race also highlights the tactical complexities within professional cycling. While team tactics are a fundamental part of the sport, Seixas’s comments raise questions about the line between legitimate strategy and unsportsmanlike conduct. Del Toro’s actions, whether explicitly directed by the team or a spontaneous decision, clearly impacted Seixas’s ability to compete for the win.

Pogačar’s dominance at Strade Bianche continues a remarkable run of form for the Slovenian rider, extending back through 2024 and 2025. His ability to solo to victory over such a demanding course underscores his exceptional talent and physical condition. However, the emergence of riders like Seixas suggests that Pogačar’s reign may not be unchallenged for long.

The dynamic between Pogačar and Seixas is shaping up to be one of the most compelling rivalries in cycling. Seixas’s willingness to openly discuss the tactics of his competitors, coupled with his evident talent and determination, suggests he will be a formidable opponent for Pogačar in the years to come. The young Frenchman has already demonstrated he isn’t intimidated by the world champion, and his ambition is clear: to challenge Pogačar’s dominance and claim victories of his own.

Strade Bianche, known for its challenging gravel sectors and unpredictable conditions, once again delivered a thrilling race. While Pogačar secured another victory, the performance of Paul Seixas and the ensuing discussion about team tactics have added a new dimension to the narrative, leaving fans eager to see how this rivalry unfolds throughout the season.