"Try to follow the best..." - Paul Seixas ahead of Strade Bianche debut against Pogacar, Pidcock and Van Aert

Paul Seixas reaches Strade Bianche 2026 as one of the standout names of this early season. The young Frenchman will make his debut in the Italian classic in Siena after a brilliant start to the year, already claiming his first two professional wins and as one of the very few men who stands a chance of challenging Tadej Pogacar.

Speaking to Cyclingpro.net, the rider expressed his satisfaction with his opening months and the sensations he’s carried into the season. “It’s a dream start to the year. Before the season I said I wanted, first, to be happy, and then try to get good results. Winning two races already is really impressive for me,” he said on the eve of the race.

After those victories, Seixas now faces a very different challenge with his first participation in the Strade Bianche, a race as spectacular as it is demanding thanks to its sterrato sectors. The Frenchman is excited by the opportunity and trusts he can be in the mix when the race is decided.

“I hope to be there when the battle starts and try to follow the best. Then we’ll see how the race unfolds,” he noted. He also stressed that this is a highly technical test, where it’s not only about the legs, but also factors like bike handling and race luck.

“It’s a technical race. You need skills and also a bit of luck with crashes or punctures,” he pointed out.

With that in mind, Seixas and his team have worked in the days before the race to dial in equipment and recon the course. The Frenchman explained he has already ridden several of the key sectors of the Tuscan route.

“Two days ago we tested on some sectors, like the sixth and seventh, and then also the last ones, the eighth, ninth and tenth. We tried different tire pressures to see what works best,” he said.

The first sensations from those training runs were positive, although he acknowledges that racing will be very different to reconnaissance.

“We didn’t have any punctures, which is already a good sign. But in the race it’s different, with all the riders and the stress. You need to pick the right lines and have good technique to be at the front at the finish,” he explained.

He will also face fierce competition in Siena, with top-tier rivals such as Tom Pidcock, Tadej Pogacar and Wout van Aert. To fight them, Seixas is clear about the keys.

“First we’ll need a bit of luck to be up front and well positioned. Positioning will be very important and then having a really incredible day,” he concluded.