Siena, Italy – Tadej Pogačar reaffirmed his dominance in the world of cycling, securing a record fourth victory at the Strade Bianche on Saturday. The Slovenian world champion completed a remarkable 78km solo breakaway, finishing with a race-record average speed of 42.7kph. However, the day also belonged to a rising star: 19-year-old Paul Seixas of France, whose impressive second-place finish has ignited excitement about the future of French cycling.
Pogačar, riding for UAE Team Emirates – XRG, launched his decisive attack on the Monte Sante Marie gravel sector, a tactic mirroring his success in the 2024 edition of the race. Although last year’s runner-up, Tom Pidcock, briefly attempted to follow, a mechanical issue – a chain drop – derailed his challenge. Seixas, riding for Decathlon CMA CGM, then emerged as the primary challenger, initially shadowed by Pogačar’s teammate Isaac del Toro, before Pogačar surged ahead once more, riding alone to a historic win.
The victory marks Pogačar’s seventh consecutive season-opening win and surpasses Fabian Cancellara’s previous record of three Strade Bianche titles. He is now the undisputed king of the Tuscan white roads, a title he seems intent on defending for years to come. Upon crossing the finish line in Siena’s Piazza del Campo, Pogačar celebrated with a display of emotion, climbing off his bike, punching the air, and bowing to the enthusiastic crowd.
Seixas: A Star is Born
While Pogačar’s victory was expected, the performance of Paul Seixas was a revelation. The young Frenchman demonstrated remarkable strength and tenacity, chasing Pogačar relentlessly and ultimately securing a well-deserved second place. Seixas dropped Del Toro on the Via Santa Caterina climb into the piazza, solidifying his podium finish in his Strade Bianche debut. His ride has sparked a wave of optimism in France, a nation eager to see a return to prominence in the world of professional cycling.
“I saw that he was chasing really hard on the steepest part of the climb on Sante Marie,” Pogačar said of Seixas after the race, acknowledging the young rider’s impressive effort. The duel for second place highlighted the emergence of a new generation of cycling talent, and the potential for exciting rivalries in the years to come.
A Team Effort for Pogačar
Pogačar was quick to credit his UAE Team Emirates – XRG squad for their instrumental role in setting up his victory. He praised the operate of Domen Novak and Kevin Vermaerke in controlling early breakaways, and highlighted the strong pacing set by Felix Grossschartner and Florian Vermeersch. He also acknowledged the contributions of Jan Christen and Isaac del Toro, emphasizing the strength and depth of his team.
“It was an honor to ride with such a team and deliver the victory,” Pogačar stated. “I am extremely happy.” The team’s cohesive performance underscored the importance of teamwork in modern professional cycling, and their ability to execute a well-planned strategy.
What’s Next for Pogačar and Seixas?
Pogačar’s victory at Strade Bianche sets the stage for a potentially dominant season. He will now turn his attention to other major races on the calendar, including the upcoming Tirreno-Adriatico stage race. His early-season form suggests he will be a formidable contender in all of his upcoming events.
For Paul Seixas, the Strade Bianche represents a breakthrough moment. He will undoubtedly be a rider to watch in the coming years, and his performance has already generated significant buzz within the cycling community. His next race is currently unconfirmed, but all eyes will be on the young Frenchman as he continues to develop and refine his skills. The cycling world is eager to see what he can achieve as he progresses in his career.
The 2026 Strade Bianche will be remembered not only for Pogačar’s historic achievement but also for the arrival of a new force in cycling: Paul Seixas. The race served as a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of cycling and the constant emergence of new talent.
