Paul Seixas sounds slightly surprised: “Juan Ayuso and João Almeida didn’t really want to work with me”

For Decathlon CMA CGM, it was a welcome boost on a day that brought mixed news. Earlier on Thursday, the team announced that Tiesj Benoot will miss the Spring Classics due to a hernia. Meanwhile, big signing Olav Kooij is still not back on track after a virus infection.

Seixas, however, delivered immediately in his first race of 2026. “Getting my first pro win — that was the goal. Now I’ve got it in the bag and it feels amazing,” the young Frenchman said after the finish.

The winner explained how the finale unfolded on Fóia. “The pace was high, but heading into the last steep section it got chaotic with a crash from a UAE rider,” Seixas said, referring to Brandon McNulty.

“I managed to avoid it and tried to follow the rhythm, but Juan Ayuso and João Almeida didn’t really want to work with me,” he continued. “I was afraid we’d get caught, but in the end only two riders managed to bridge across — and one of them was actually a teammate. That was perfect for me.”

Seixas was talking about Matthew Riccitello, who joined him at the front along with INEOS rider Oscar Onley. “Matthew did a really strong pull and put everyone on the limit. Then João attacked, but I knew I had to save something for the sprint.”

In that sprint, Seixas just held off Ayuso. “I went left to right through all those corners, but I managed it,” he smiled after taking his first pro win. “I really want to thank the team for the work they did. This is a nice reward.” Seixas now sits second overall on the same time as race leader Ayuso after the Alto da Fóia showdown.