Paul Seixas sets his sights on Tadej Pogačar after Il Lombardia: 'I want to be the best in the peloton'
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Follow us on GooglePaul Seixas has only just become the youngest winner in the history of Il Lombardia, but the 20-year-old is already looking further ahead. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Decathlon CMA CGM leader made it clear that his first Monument is not the end goal. His real target is the rider who was not even on the start line in Como.
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Seixas won the final Monument of the season by attacking on the Civiglio and riding clear to the finish. Tadej Pogačar, who had won the previous five editions, was absent this time. Even so, the Frenchman still sees the Slovenian as the benchmark for everyone else.
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Seixas hope to overtake Tadej Pogačar
Seixas: 'If you don't try to beat him, you never will'
Rather than making the most of Pogačar's absence, Seixas used his moment in the spotlight to praise him, and to frame him as the reason the rest of the peloton keeps improving.
Without Tadej, races aren't the same. He is the best. Thanks to him, next year I'll improve even more, and that applies to everyone. With Pogacar, everyone has to work to become stronger. If you don't try to beat him, you never will.- Paul Seixas to La Gazzetta dello Sport
The two have already crossed paths plenty of times this year. Seixas finished second behind Pogačar at Strade Bianche and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
He won La Flèche Wallonne when Pogačar was not there, and he finished fourth overall on his Tour de France debut while still 19. His race-deciding attack on the Civiglio has also drawn comparisons with Pogačar.
Asked what will happen when they meet again next season, Seixas stopped short of claiming he is already on Pogačar's level.
I don't want to compare myself with the best. Sometimes they win, sometimes I win. That's how sport works, and the good thing is that everyone can improve at any moment. Next year we'll challenge each other and we'll see. It would be a dream just to be able to fight with Pogacar.- Paul Seixas
His long-term ambition was more direct. Asked whether he wants to be the best rider in the world, Seixas did not hesitate: "Yes, I want to be the best in the peloton."
UAE keeping an eye on the Frenchman
That ambition raises another question: in which jersey will Seixas take on Pogačar in the long run? he is under contract with Decathlon through the end of 2027 and is already confirmed to stay with the French team next season.
UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Pogačar's team, have nevertheless openly acknowledged their interest beyond that point.
Team manager Mauro Gianetti recently confirmed that there had been brief contact with Seixas' agent, and he left little doubt about where UAE stands.
If he asks to come to us, I wouldn't say no. The impression is that he will not decide his future so soon. I have no idea whether he will come to us; that is difficult to say. The decision is his, not the team's.- Mauro Gianetti, UAE Team Emirates - XRG
For now, Seixas remains central to Decathlon's plans and has given no sign that a decision about 2028 is close.
Seixas: 'I don't care about being the youngest'
The age record that came with his victory in Como seems to matter little to the Frenchman. For Seixas, it is all about the win itself and what it means for French cycling.
I don't care about being the youngest. I only care about winning, and this is a Monument, which means I'll remember it forever. It's crazy, for me and for my country. Eight years ago Thibaut Pinot won Il Lombardia.- Paul Seixas
There was not much time to celebrate, either. The day after his Monument win, Seixas was already racing again.
The 20 year old took to the start line at Roc d'Azur, one of France's biggest Mountain bike races. An unusual move just 15 hours after winning Il Lombardia, and not one Tadej Pogačar has ever pulled.
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David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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Latest Comments
- How can he race a mountain-bike event just 15 hours after Lombardia? Does that mean he had to recover on the way there? I’m still figuring out how these races fit together!sprocketspiny12-10-2026
- Winning Lombardia without Pogačar there is still a huge achievement, though the headline makes it sound like Seixas is already chasing him personally. Is there any indication he’s actually considering UAE for 2028?andrewf12-10-2026
- The UAE interest is worth watching, but he’s under contract through 2027 and Decathlon clearly have a major talent to build around. No need to rush the transfer speculation.samanthak12-10-2026
- He’s right to keep Pogačar as the benchmark rather than claiming he’s already there. Second at Strade and Liège, plus fourth on his Tour debut at 19, is an incredible platform.robert6512-10-2026
- Quel talent — winning Lombardia at 20 is incredible. Bien joué, Paul!pedalpowe2912-10-2026
- I’m trying to understand the age comparison: does “at 20” mean results before turning 21, or literally while they were 20? These records get confusing!samanthak12-10-2026
- Pogačar comparisons are inevitable, but Seixas’ results across the Classics and the Tour are hard to ignore. Can’t wait to see them race head-to-head.raceready712-10-2026
- Winning Lombardia at 20 is huge. The Civiglio attack was perfectly timed, and 48 seconds is a proper statement.breakawaybikerd12-10-2026
- Seixas is an extraordinary talent, but comparing careers at 20 feels premature. The Lombardia win and that Tour fourth place are remarkable on their own.lindae12-10-2026
- I’m still learning the race: why is it called the “Koers van de Vallende Bladeren”? Is that another name for Lombardy because it’s held in autumn?breakawaybikerd12-10-2026
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