'No point taking any risks' - Paret-Peintre backs Seixas' tough Dauphiné call

Paul Seixas started stage 8 despite injuries sustained in a crash on Saturday, when he fought back to rejoin the peloton before limiting his losses on the Grand Colombier. The Frenchman began the final day sixth overall but was dropped following the opening climb, the Col du Pré, and withdrew from the race after the summit, the right decision according to his teammate Aurélien Paret-Peintre. 

“His main objectives are still three weeks to a month away, so there was no point taking any risks,” Paret-Peintre said post-stage to CyclingPro.net. “He needs to rest and allow the wounds to heal as quickly as possible.”

The Decathlon CMA CGM rider had suffered cuts to his hand and elbow in Saturday’s crash, injuries that he noted had impacted his bike handling. Although Seixas was determined to start the final stage, Paret-Peintre said the after-effects of the crash were always likely to catch up with him.

“He was very motivated last night, but this morning things were obviously different,” he said. “It is normal not to feel good after a crash like that, and there is no point pushing through it.”

While disappointed to see Seixas leave the race, Paret-Peintre highlighted the positives from a week that included a strong overall performance and a display of resilience following his crash.

“We have still learned a great deal this week,” he said. “What happened yesterday also strengthened the team’s bond on the bike.”

The focus now shifts to recovery and preparations for the Tour de France, where Seixas is set to become the youngest rider to start the race since 1937.