"I don’t have the level to beat him" - Paul Seixas does not want to be put side-by-side with Tadej Pogacar at Liège

At 19 years of age, the potential and excitement for the development of Paul Seixas is something that has rarely ever been seen in pro cycling. But where can the line be drawn as of April 2026? The Frenchman argues that it might be the comparisons with Tadej Pogacar, specially with the two set to face off this Sunday at Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

After the duo finished first and second at Strade Bianche, and Seixas dominated Itzulia Basque Country, he has been put to the front - alongside Remco Evenepoel - as the main contenders to challenge Pogacar's domination at La Doyenne. The final of the Ardennes classics benefits a mix of climber and classics specialist, something that should suit all three riders.

But firstly, Seixas headlines La Flèche Wallonne this Wednesday, where Pogacar and Evenepoel are absent. “I’m here to test my punch. This is something new for me. I’ve seen it so many times, but I’ve actually never ridden it before,” Seixas told Sporza.

But within a strong startlist, he is certainly not the man to beat. "Those short efforts of two or three minutes, it’s different. I still have to discover how I respond to that. I’ve worked on it a bit, but not specifically for this race. I don’t feel any obligation to win. I don’t see myself as the main contender," he admits.

The likes of Romain Grégoire, Mattias Skjelmose, Lenny Martínez and Kévin Vauquelin will all share favouritism and aim for a victory that can change the path of their respective careers, making it a difficult mission for the Frenchman.

The result at the Mur de Huy this afternoon may change the outlook on Liège quite a lot, but it won't change what has been happening over the past few months. This weekend's race is better suited to the climbers, with a lot more distance and total climbing on the menu; as well as UAE and Red Bull - BORA who are both likely to aim for a strategy of creating fatigue from as early as possible so as to benefit their leaders.

Seixas may not thrive in such a scenario of a long race, as well as the expected intense fights for positioning. But even if he would thrive in them, he tackled the comparison to Tadej Pogacar directly: “We’re talking about maybe the best rider ever. Right now, I don’t have the level to beat him," he answered straight.

Whilst that pressure would ordinarily have the potential to be destructive to a rider, the Decathlon CMA CGM Team has been handling it very well, evolving and obtaining more results despite the intense focus on his every move. He knows that it is in the peloton that he has to prove his worth. "I’m working to become the best, but you have to prove that step by step in races," he concluded.