“The gaps opened up and I just kept believing” – Impressive Mauro Schmid best of the rest behind Paul Seixas on the Mur de Huy

Mauro Schmid produced a standout ride on the Mur de Huy to finish second at La Flèche Wallonne 2026, charging through from deep in the group to emerge as best of the rest behind winner Paul Seixas.

The Swiss national champion looked out of contention at the foot of the final climb, but a decisive early move and a sustained effort carried him all the way into podium position on one of cycling’s most demanding finishes.

Positioning has often been a challenge for Schmid in races of this type, and once again he found himself further back than ideal heading into the decisive moment. “I think I’m a bit used to that now. At one moment, in the last corner, I thought, ‘Yeah, I think this has been it. I’m definitely too far back,’” he explained to Cycling Pro Net post-race.

But as the climb began to take its toll, the race dynamic shifted. “Then somehow the gaps opened up and I just kept believing. I went pretty early, did a big move, a big acceleration to come to the front, and then just tried to go my rhythm to the line.”

That decision proved decisive, allowing Schmid to bridge across as others began to fade and establish himself among the leading riders.

Despite missing his ideal position, Schmid had confidence that the nature of the race would create opportunities.

Drawing on his experience from previous editions, he expected the effort leading into the Mur to leave riders vulnerable. “Last year, for example, I was in a great position and the race was also super hard. Maybe also because of the rain or UAE making it super hard that day,” said Schmid. “I was hoping it would be similar, with only a really small group going into the last climb. But it was much bigger this year.”

Even so, the intensity of the race still had the desired effect. “In the end, you could still see that a lot of guys were pretty tired, so I knew the gaps would open up and I just needed to try to go for it.”

As the gradient bit and the field stretched out, Schmid’s early acceleration allowed him to move through the chaos and settle into his own effort. While Seixas proved untouchable in the final metres, Schmid’s ride secured a clear second place and underlined his ability to perform on one of the most specific finishes in the calendar.

With Liège-Bastogne-Liège to come later in the week, Schmid’s performance provides a strong platform heading into the final Monument of the Ardennes campaign. “I’m looking forward to it. I had a good race there last year and I’m happy to give it another crack this year.”

After turning a difficult position into a podium finish on the Mur de Huy, Schmid arrives at Liège with both form and confidence firmly on his side.