Paul Seixas raced through hidden crash and illness on remarkable Tour debut
Paul Seixas will complete his first Tour de France in fourth place after racing through injuries from a crash during a reconnaissance ride in Barcelona and a cold in the opening week, details that his Decathlon CMA CGM team had kept quiet at his request.
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According to L’Équipe, Seixas crashed on July 1 during a reconnaissance ride through the streets of Barcelona ahead of the Grand Départ. The fall explained the bandages visible during the opening stages of the Tour in Catalonia.
The 19-year-old also suffered from a minor cold for two days during the first week and subsequently wore a surgical mask in crowded areas.
L’Équipe reported that both setbacks had been kept quiet by his team at Seixas’ request, as he did not want them to be perceived as excuses if he experienced a difficult day.
Despite those disruptions, Seixas remained in contention for the Tour podium and the white jersey until the final mountain stage to Alpe d’Huez.
He started stage 20 just 24 seconds behind Isaac del Toro in the general classification. Decathlon CMA CGM attempted to put the Mexican under pressure, with Nicolas Prodhomme, Tiesj Benoot and Matthew Riccitello driving the pace after the Col du Galibier.
Seixas said he initially felt capable of completing the move.
“I felt really good at the start and on the Galibier,” he told L'Equipe. “Then, in the end, I cracked.”
The Frenchman was distanced on the Col de Sarenne as Del Toro proved able to withstand the pressure and then ride away. Seixas lost 1 minute and 50 seconds by the finish, ending his challenge for third place and the young rider classification.
“There came a moment when I reached my limits,” Seixas said. “I tried to be stronger than usual and I exploded.”
He crossed the line completely drained and was comforted by his parents shortly afterwards. Although he had secured fourth place overall, his first reaction was frustration at having fallen short of the podium.
“I am obviously disappointed that I could not fight harder for third place,” he said. “That is cycling. Sometimes you reach your limit.”
His performance remained extraordinary for a rider competing in his first Tour at only 19. Across three weeks, Seixas avoided a major collapse and maintained his place among the leading general classification riders, despite the early crash, the cold and the demands of his first Grand Tour.
Decathlon CMA CGM manager Dominique Serieys said the team’s primary objective had been to guide Seixas safely through to Paris.
“It is extraordinary to finish fourth,” Serieys told L'Equipe. “At 19, he has gained experience that very few riders have accumulated at that age.”
Serieys also praised Seixas’ consistency throughout the race.
“He did not have a single major physical failure,” he said. “The opposition was incredible. We wanted to bring Paul to Paris, and the mission has been accomplished.”
Seixas’ coach Alexandre Pacot explained to L'Equipe that the final mountain stage should be viewed as part of his development rather than as a failure.
“He tried everything for the white jersey and third place,” Pacot said. “He finished exhausted. It was the hardest stage of the Tour.”
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