Effort of the day isn’t Van der Poel’s, but Seixas’, as he wins in Pogačar fashion

Cycling fans may have felt a sense of déjà vu while watching the Faun-Ardèche Classic. Wasn’t this the European Championships? The race indeed used the same kilometres, including the feared Val d’Enfer climb — a short, brutal wall that had to be tackled four times. A beautiful course, and one that always invites big moves.

The start list was strong too: Romain Grégoire, Jan Christen, Jorgenson, Mattias Skjelmose, Christian Scaroni, Lenny Martinez, Egan Bernal, Seixas, Ben Healy… For many, it was their first race of the season. Last year, Grégoire was the best after a bizarre finale.

This year, the script was completely different — likely inspired by that Euros scenario, and powered by Seixas’ exceptional legs. The Decathlon CMA CGM youngster opened his season by winning a stage at the Volta ao Algarve, but had to concede the overall victory to Juan Ayuso. He looked hungry again here.

After an early break of eight was reeled in, the race lit up on the Mur de Royes (6.8km at 7.3%) with around 40 kilometres still to race. Seixas stood on the pedals and went clear. Jorgenson could follow briefly for Visma | Lease a Bike, but quickly had to let go.

Seixas never looked back and finished almost two minutes ahead of the rest. Christen (second) and Martinez (third) came past Jorgenson in the finale, with the American taking fourth. Mattias Skjelmose rounded out the top five, more than two minutes down.