Paul Seixas admits 'I wasn't too far away' after pushing Tadej Pogacar on Liege-Bastogne-Liege debut
Updated 26/04/2026 at 18:36 GMT+1
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Paul Seixas believes he "wasn't too far away from winning" after pushing Tadej Pogacar on an impressive Liege-Bastogne-Liege debut that underlined his huge potential.
'Breathless, stunning!' - Seixas sensationally follows Pogacar attack
Video credit: TNT Sports
The 19-year-old French sensation (Decathlon CMA CGM) was the only rider able to go with Pogacar when he blew the race apart on La Redoute with 35km remaining, sticking tight to the Slovenian's wheel as the rest were distanced.
He eventually cracked on the final climb as he settled for a brilliant second but his stock rose again during a memorable start to 2026.
And Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) said he had been bracing for a very different finish after being surprised by the teenager's resistance.
"On La Redoute, I was really going deep," said Pogacar. "I could see he was a little on the elastic but on the top he came next to me and I was like, 'OK, I'm really impressed.'
"He was also pulling quite strong and we opened a big gap, which was good for us.
"In the back of my head I was already preparing to do a sprint because he was strong. Luckily, he dropped but I was prepared to go head-to-head in a sprint with him."
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'He has blown' - Pogacar finally cracks Seixas and goes clear
Video credit: TNT Sports
Seixas, meanwhile, was left to reflect on just how close he had come after a fearless ride against the world champion.
"I wasn't too far away from winning," he said. "It was my first Liege-Bastogne-Liege and I gave it absolutely everything.
"Tadej was stronger than me. On La Redoute I was already in difficulty but I could just hold on to his wheel. I did a few turns with him after that, but as we headed over to the Roche aux Faucons he went again and I just couldn't go with him.
"I tried to stay with him but in the end I only had enough for second."
Seixas is already being tipped as the rider to end France's long wait for a Tour de France winner. Bernard Hinault was the most recent home winner in 1985.
The latest great hope finished second behind Pogacar at Strade Bianche in March, before sweeping the classifications at Itzulia Basque Country and winning La Fleche Wallonne earlier this week.
It was Pogacar's 13th Monument victory as he moved to within six of Eddy Merckx's all-time record.
"It means a lot to win one of the biggest races in cycling again," said Pogacar sealing a fourth Liege title.
"I don't do many races, I don't have a lot of opportunities to win, so it's a lot of pressure to deliver on days like today. I'm really happy we succeeded."
Pogacar now turns his attention to defending his Tour de France title.
Seixas could yet be there too, adding an intriguing sub-plot, but he is not considered a genuine yellow jersey threat just yet given his age. Were he to win on debut, he would become the youngest champion in the race's history.
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Highlights: Seixas stars as Pogacar conquers 'The Old Lady' again
Video credit: TNT Sports
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