'The test was passed' - Seixas pushes Pogacar closer in thrilling Liège showdown

La Doyenne marked another opportunity for the 19-year-old Paul Seixas to test himself against the modern goliath that is Tadej Pogačar. 

Before Liège, Seixas had briefly stayed with Pogačar’s initial race-winning acceleration at Strade Bianche in March, before securing victories at Itzulia Basque Country and La Flèche Wallonne in April, indicating that his level has risen significantly already since then.

Therefore, when Seixas was able to match the World Champion pedal stroke for pedal stroke on Sunday on the Côte de la Redoute, it felt like a significant moment. 

Ultimately, Seixas would have to relinquish the wheel of the relentless Pogačar with 15km remaining on the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons, but nonetheless, it was a monumental performance that will have only fuelled the hype further surrounding the Frenchman.

The simple fact remains that Pogačar blitzed the competition on La Redoute in 2024 and 2025, and despite the World Champion riding even quicker up the climb this year, Seixas was able to stay with the scintillating pace. 

“Well, it was definitely crazy. We went through La Redoute super fast at that pace, and frankly, I was really close to cracking. Then, well, let's just say it was a bit of a climb, but it got a little less steep, he stopped pushing, or at least he slowed down,” Seixas told CyclingProNet.

“That felt good, and I managed to hang on to the top. I think it was to our advantage, both of us, to work together until Roche aux Faucon to ensure we could battle for the win between us. And then, well, he was stronger, and we'll come back for better.”

Seixas admitted that he was already on his limit at the top of La Redoute, and that he pushed himself to the limit to test himself against the World Champion in the hope that he could take Pogačar to a sprint in Liège. 

“They were superb [the sensations], honestly. I felt really good. Of course, the effort I made on the Redoute climb was a real all-out effort, and I was completely exhausted at the top,” said Seixas.

“So I told myself I had to try and hang on until the end, to try and, you know, attempt a killer sprint at the end. And well, he was just stronger at the end, I couldn't follow him, I missed him a little bit, and well, I tried to finish with what I could.”

Despite the elastic snapping, Seixas remained in a league of his own from the rest of the competition to seal a fine 2nd place on debut, 45 seconds behind Pogačar, a result that he is pleased with and thanked his Decathlon teammates for.

“No, for sure [it’s a good result], I gave 100% on the course. The team, too, positioned me really well throughout the day. It was a difficult day for everyone. Well, frankly, they did a fantastic job, and I gave it my all on the course. No positioning problems, and that was the most important thing today,” said Seixas. 

With Liège serving as the curtain closer for the Spring Classics, attention rapidly turns towards Grand Tour season. Seixas and Decathlon have confirmed the 19-year-old will make his Grand Tour debut this season, but remain tight-lipped on which of the three it will be. 

With the Giro kicking off in Bulgaria in less than two weeks on May 8, and his most recent performances, the Tour de France does look an increasingly likely prospect, and Seixas was asked if his performance in Liège has made his decision clearer.

“Yeah, well, it's definitely fueling my thinking. I don't know, but in any case, it feels good, and I know I can compete with the best and fight at the front. So, we'll take that into account for what's to come,” said Seixas. 

At such a young age, and with his immense potential, Seixas looks to be making a significant leap with each passing race. Ultimately, La Doyenne was another resounding success for the Frenchman. “Yeah, the test was passed. There you go, second in a Monument, it's great,” said Seixas.