“I don’t really care about the pressure” - Teenage sensation Paul Seixas shrugs off hype as Itzulia dominance continues

Paul Seixas’ grip on Itzulia Basque Country 2026 remained firm on Stage 3, but beyond the race situation itself, the French teenager offered a clear insight into the mindset underpinning his rapid rise.

On a day where the breakaway took the stage honours, Seixas rode with control and composure in the peloton, avoiding danger while his rivals continued to lose ground across the opening half of the race.

“It was a calmer day than the previous two,” Seixas said in conversation with Cycling Pro Net. “The breakaway took a long time to form because a lot of teams were interested, but my team controlled things really well.”

With Decathlon CMA CGM dictating the rhythm, Seixas was rarely exposed, balancing patience with positioning throughout the stage. “I was in a good position all day. I could stay in the wheels, and sometimes I had to stay near the front to keep things under control and avoid getting caught out.”

Even late in the stage, as others looked to increase the pace, the race leader remained attentive rather than reactive. “In the final, I felt good, and when I sensed that others wanted to make it harder, I followed a bit and played the game.”

The only disruption to his day came through an unusual mechanical issue, but even that failed to unsettle him. “I broke my bottle cage. It was a bit strange, but a gel got stuck between the cage and the bottle, and it broke it,” he explained. “I took my time to change bikes. It was in a transition section, so there was no stress. It was handled well.”

It was a small moment, but one that underlined the same theme that has defined his week so far: control, not panic.

With attention around him continuing to grow, Seixas was again asked about the expectations building around his performances. His response was direct. “Honestly, I’ve been asked that question for a long time. Personally, I don’t really care about the pressure.”

For Seixas, the equation remains simple. “When I know I have the legs, pressure or no pressure doesn’t change anything. On the bike, it’s not about pressure, it’s just about doing what you need to do to win.”

That clarity has been reflected in how he has approached the race, not riding defensively despite holding a significant advantage in the general classification, but instead remaining engaged at key moments.

Despite the physical demands of the race, Seixas also pointed to the enjoyment he continues to take from racing at the highest level. “When you want to win, and like some people say, it’s also a game for us. We really enjoy it on the bike. Even if it’s extremely hard, that’s what makes the sport beautiful.”

That perspective is perhaps the most striking element of his rise. At just 19, and already shaping one of the defining performances of the early 2026 season, Seixas continues to approach racing with a sense of freedom. “I really enjoy being at the front. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m making the most of it.”

While Axel Laurance took the stage victory from the breakaway, Seixas’ position at the top of the race remains unchanged, and arguably strengthened.

With key rivals already out, struggling, or losing time, the race leader was once again able to navigate the day without risk, reinforcing his advantage without needing to attack.

And if his own words are anything to go by, that approach is unlikely to change. Pressure, expectation and external noise may continue to build, but for now, Seixas is riding to a far simpler rhythm, one that continues to deliver.