Pogacar told he may have to 'cut his holiday short’ after Seixas’ historic Il Lombardia triumph

Marc Madiot has stated that Tadej Pogačar may have to “cut his holiday short” after Paul Seixas’s historic victory at Il Lombardia on Saturday.

Speaking on RMC Sport on Sunday, the Groupama-FDJ United boss praised the 20-year-old after he soloed to his first Monument victory, becoming the youngest winner of Il Lombardia in the process.  

“It is a continuation and confirmation of what we suspected: that he is an exceptionally gifted rider who has matured very early,” Madiot said. 

Seixas made the race-winning difference with around 19km remaining on the Civiglio ascent, as he torched the rest of the competition off of his wheel in a manner very reminiscent of the man who won the previous five editions, Tadej Pogačar. 

“Once he opened up a five-metre gap, we knew it was over; it’s a bit like the Pogačar method, applying pressure and ultimately blowing the remaining leaders apart," Madiot said. 

Pogačar was absent from the race as he continues his recovery from his season-ending crash at the Vuelta a España in August. 

Prior to Saturday’s race, Pogačar confirmed that he is heading in the right direction and also indicated that he plans an earlier return to racing as he builds towards 2027.

Madiot suggested that Seixas’ performance could well have further fuelled Pogačar’s motivation to return as soon as possible. 

“My thoughts went to Pogačar, who will likely have to cut his holiday short to prepare for next season, which promises some great racing ahead,” Madiot said.

“I’m convinced of one thing: he spent the afternoon on his sofa in Monaco watching this on TV. He must have thought, ‘Wow, I’d better shorten my vacation rather than extend it.”

Since turning professional, Seixas has yet to get the better of Pogačar, though the 20-year-old Frenchman has shown great promise, and his performance in Lombardy will have only increased the frenzy that surrounds him. 

Seixas himself embraced the challenge ahead of trying to reach the next level of competing with Pogačar, in his Il Lombardia press conference. 

"He's the best. It's a motivation to see him at his best level. I honestly hope he will still make progress in the next few years because it's good for cycling. He makes everyone improve because he's so strong that everyone needs to work harder," said Seixas.