At 19, Paul Seixas crushes all records for precocity. Winner of the Tour de l’Avenir, bronze medalist at the Senior European Championships, 8th in the Critérium du Dauphiné and 7th in the Tour de Lombardie, the Frenchman is one of the greatest promises in the history of French cycling. A status which imposes pressure on his shoulders, which he manages for the moment to manage with a disconcerting smile and ease.
But for how long? With Ouest-France, Romain Bardet, who experienced a similar situation when he started at AG2R-La Mondiale, expressed his concern to see the early emergence of his compatriot. Now retired from the professional pelotons at 35, he emphasizes that a career in cycling, “it may seem short but it is long at the same time”.
“Far be it from me to give advice to anyone, but we have to consider career plans,” said the 2nd in the 2016 Tour de France. “The hardest part of cycling is maintaining this carefree attitude. We see it with Pogacar and the weariness that is perhaps setting in on the Tour de France. Beyond pure physical performance and the ability to progress each year, it’s about keeping this inner flow to envision Paul reaching the heights to which he is predestined. »
“A rush that worries me a little”
The person concerned says it himself, he wants to win the Tour de France during his career. A huge challenge which creates expectations among the public, who hope to see him already on the 2026 edition. “There is an excitement which worries me a little,” continued Romain Bardet. Now, to become professional, they are obliged to have a level of requirements which is so much higher than it was during the years when we became professionals. It is this facet, with the resulting mental constraints, that can weaken motivation in the long term. »
At 19 years old, Paul Seixas should not be affected by this weariness for a few years. With stars in his eyes at each race, the Lyonnais takes advantage of every opportunity given to him. With some success.
