The French have a secret weapon for the men's road race on Sunday: 'Any other result would be a major disappointment'

The Netherlands is counting on Mathieu van der Poel, even though MVDP is keeping a low profile. On paper, it would be too tough. Isaac Del Toro should have the legs for it on paper, but the Mexican team will be unable—or barely able—to support him. The same goes for Ben Healy, as well as Tom Pidcock and the British team.

Pogačar won’t be there for obvious reasons, so most eyes are on Remco Evenepoel. After all, the Belgians have a rock-solid lineup, which also includes Wout van Aert. As a result, they might well have two strategies up their sleeves. How different things are for the French. Their team is both deep and versatile, yet they’re putting all their eggs in one 19-year-old basket.

National team coach Thomas Voeckler based his selection on that as well. No matter who you ask on the French team what the goal is, the answer will be the same: “For Paul to return in the rainbow jersey on Sunday evening.” Voeckler acknowledges that this level of unity is “quite rare” for the World Championships. “After all, we’re talking about riders who compete year-round,” he told RMC.

The French national team spent 15 days together. “It was unthinkable to me to spend that amount of time without doing something that would bring them closer together, aside from the usual conversations. To experience moments that are different from what they go through the rest of the year.”

For Jordan Labrosse and Nicolas Prodhomme, it was a different story, as they are already teammates with Seixas at Decathlon CMA CGM. Voeckler also selected Pavel Sivakov, Valentin Paret-Peintre, Jordan Jegat, Alex Baudin, and Bruno Armirail, who had been a rival of the French prodigy throughout the year.

But Voeckler also managed to get everyone on the same page, thanks to a few nights spent together in apartments. “Personally, I don’t mind telling a well-paid, successful cyclist, ‘Go do your laundry and cook.’ Several riders told me they wished it had lasted longer. I can’t deny that I’m glad it went well.”

Once in Montreal, that confidence continues to grow. Take Baudin, for example. “You just have to look at the facts. Paul proved himself in Montreal two weeks ago. He was one of the strongest riders. It’s the same course, and it’s a dress rehearsal right before the world championships,” said the EF rider.

Baudin knows the competition won’t be easy. “But he has what it takes to win,” he says, using the “w-word” without hesitation. “Pogačar isn’t at the start. Of course, that takes a little pressure off his shoulders. That’s for sure. It’ll be much more wide open than if he had been there, but there’s definitely a chance to take home the title.”

In doing so, the Frenchman once again emphasises that unity. “I never ride with him (Seixas, ed.) during the season, but I know that on Sunday I’ll be 100% behind him, with no ulterior motives. That goes for everyone here. It’s incredibly important.” Words that teammate Valentin Paret-Peintre echoes.

"When you have someone like Paul on the team, it's clear that he has the best chance of winning the race. So, of course, we're all working for him. I think Thomas has also put together a team of riders who aren't so egotistical as to say, 'I want to ride my own race.' "So we’re all focused on the same goal," said the Soudal Quick-Step rider.

And what about Seixas himself? “Of course I’m happy that Thomas has confidence in me and that we have such a great group around me; it’s also a source of pride. And it gives me even more energy to give it my all in this championship,” the young talent says calmly. “Of course, I’ve set myself the goal of winning the title.”

It’s been said many times now, but Seixas likes to wrap things up by saying: “I think we have a team that’s ready for this—ready for the title.” He adds: “Of course, any other result would be a minor—or even a major—disappointment.” Signed: Seixas and the French.