"It’s another world from all the races I’ve done" - 2006-born Paul Seixas mixing it with Tadej Pogacar and co at the UAE Tour

One of the youngest riders in the whole World Tour, big things are expected of Paul Seixas in the future. Already in his first World Tour race, the 18-year-old Frenchman is impressing, in the GC mix after two stages at the 2025 UAE Tour.

"The feeling is good, it’s another world from all the races I’ve done except for La Marseillaise. I’m pretty happy to be here and enjoy the moment," Seixas, who sits 55 seconds off the race lead after the stage two individual time trial, told Cycling News. "It’s another level here but it proved I can be in my element and not be last at the level of the race. But I don’t know where I am so we will see. I'll just try to enjoy the moment and yes, the media is something, but you have to keep focused on the race and do your job. That’s it."

Ahead of the stage 3 summit at Jebel Jais, where Seixas will test his climbing legs against the likes of world champion Tadej Pogacar, the Frenchman's teammate at Decathlon AG2R La Monidiale, Felix Gall, gave a rave review. "He’s super talented and already on a really good level," said Gall of Seixas. "When I was his age for me it was a much harder process, so it’s a bit hard for me to imagine how it is but I think he’s dealing with it super well. He seems also really relaxed and is just enjoying being here racing and taking the next steps."

Seixas himself though, is keen to play down the expectations ahead of the stage 3 summit finish. “I think we will ride for Felix, we have great hope with him," the 18-year-old insists. "He’s a very strong rider and I admire him. I hope he will get a great result and I’m here to help him so I’ll enjoy it this week."

“I’m feeling great, I had a really great altitude camp. I’m in good shape and I’m excited to race. Today is the first test," Gall adds. "I never did the climb but I will be surprised if Tadej waits for the sprint. It's not the hardest but I think he wants to go early, last 2-3kms that’s what I personally expect. Sunday is definitely much better for me but we really want to be ready when Tadej is attacking and you have to be really focused in the final as it’s not the typical mountaintop finish."

And as for Gall's expectations of Seixas? "I’m pretty sure he will be up there," the Austrian concludes. "That’s for the plan for the final that we are together."