“I believe he is the chosen one”, Tadej Pogacar new rival?

April 9, 2026 Oliver Obel

A 19-year-old French rider is rapidly emerging as one of cycling’s most intriguing talents, delivering performances that have sparked excitement well beyond his home country.

Paul Seixas made a major statement at the Tour of the Basque Country this week, attacking decisively on a steep climb and distancing a field that included established contenders. Among those unable to respond was Florian Lipowitz, a recent third-place finisher at the Tour de France.

Seixas’s move proved decisive. He rode clear to secure his second stage victory of the race and take control of the overall standings. Explaining his approach afterward, he said he prefers instinct over hesitation: “I didn’t hesitate to attack. The worst thing is to be afraid to take a risk… I love riding like this.”

His bold, attacking style combined with a calm presence under pressure has quickly set him apart from other young riders.

A rapid rise

The Lyon-born cyclist is now on the verge of what would be his first overall win at World Tour level, an achievement that would further accelerate the growing attention around him.

According to Goal, even reigning Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar has already identified Seixas as a rider to watch. Speaking earlier this season after Strade Bianche, Pogacar said: “This lad is going to be a monster on the bike. We’re going to be seeing a lot more of him in the future.”

During that race in Tuscany, Seixas reportedly managed to stay with Pogacar longer than any of his rivals on the demanding gravel sections an early sign of his potential against elite competition.

While it remains premature to suggest a shift at the top of the sport, Seixas is increasingly being discussed as part of the next generation capable of challenging cycling’s dominant figures.

Renewed expectations in France

His emergence carries particular significance in France, where the wait for a Tour de France champion stretches back four decades to Bernard Hinault’s victory in 1985.

Several riders have come close in the intervening years, but none have managed to end that drought. As a result, Seixas’s breakthrough has prompted renewed optimism and, inevitably, rising expectations.

French team manager Marc Madiot is among those who have spoken in glowing terms. In comments reported by French media, he said: “I believe he is the chosen one. He will be the rider France has been waiting for,” and went on to describe the teenager as “the Messiah,” citing his rare all-around ability.

A complete skill set and cautious optimism

Standing 1.86 meters tall, Seixas combines climbing strength with proven time trial ability. He demonstrated that versatility by winning the opening time trial in the Basque Country by a significant margin, adding to a résumé that already includes a junior world title in the discipline.

That range of skills has led to growing calls for him to make an early Tour de France debut. However, some voices within the sport are urging patience.

Hinault, the last French winner of the race, has suggested that a more gradual path through the Giro d’Italia or Vuelta a España could better prepare Seixas for the demands of a three-week Grand Tour.

For now, whether he lines up at this summer’s Tour remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that his early performances have already shifted the conversation reviving a long-dormant belief that France may finally have a rider capable of competing for cycling’s biggest prize again.

Sources: Goal, RMC Sport, race interviews