Seixas reveals why Pogacar is his role model as he leaves door open for Giro debut in 2027

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Paul Seixas reflected on his remarkable 2026, which culminated in him becoming the youngest ever winner of Il Lombardia. 

Despite his stellar campaign and the ever-growing attention surrounding his emergence as France’s next great Tour hope, Seixas insists the expectations do not faze him.

“I understand the question, but… these things don’t bother me. Nor do they distract me from doing my job. I’m simply happy to have embarked on this path,” Seixas told La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

“I don’t know where I’ll end up, nobody does, but 2026 has been excellent; I’m very pleased with it. And finishing the season at Il Lombardia was fantastic.”

Seixas joined Pogačar on the roll of honour in Lombardy after the Slovenian had claimed the previous five editions of the Italian Monument. 

Asked about his cycling inspirations, Seixas highlighted Pogačar as a role model for not only the results, but also his approach to racing and personality off the bike. 

“I’m not sure ‘idol’ is the right word, ‘role model’ might be better. That said, I know it’s not a very original answer, but I’d have to say Pogačar,” Seixas said. 

“Not just because he’s the best, but because of his style, both in and out of competition. He’s on his way to becoming the greatest of all time. His presence pushes me, and everyone else, to improve. Maybe one day I’ll reach his level, maybe not, but either way, I’ll keep trying.”

After his abrupt end to the 2026 season, Pogačar will be targeting a return to winning ways next year, including at the Tour de France, where he could pursue a sixth maillot jaune.

Seixas, who was the youngest Tour starter in 89 years this summer, finished fourth overall. It remains uncertain which Grand Tour he will ride in 2027. 

The 2027 Tour features 71km of time trialling, the most since 2012. Seixas has already demonstrated his credentials against the clock, claiming bronze behind Remco Evenepoel and Filippo Ganna at the World Championships in Montréal.

However, the Frenchman isn’t prepared to rest on his laurels and wants to continue honing his craft in the discipline to support his Grand Tour ambitions. 

“That’s my intention. I feel comfortable on a time-trial bike, and I want to keep working on it regardless—not just because it’s essential if you hope to win a Grand Tour. I’ll stick with this approach, as it’s worked well so far.”

With the 2027 World Championships in Sallanches described as a priority by the Frenchman, Seixas has left the door open for a potential Giro d’Italia debut next season.

“Certainly [on a possible Giro debut]. At the moment, everything is possible regarding my race schedule for next season. I’ll discuss it with the team, and we’ll decide together what’s best,” Seixas said.