The 90th edition of La Flèche Wallonne takes place this Wednesday in Belgium, covering 208.8 kilometers between Herstal and the iconic Mur de Huy.
Paul Seixas, the young French prodigy of Decathlon CMA CGM, will lead his team in this year’s Ardennes classic, fresh from his recent victory at the Tour du Pays Basque.
At just 19 years aged, Seixas (born September 24, 2006) wears bib number 61 and brings a promising palmares to the start line, including two victories and 20 podiums in his junior career.
His 2024 campaign featured notable results such as winning the Trofeo GD Dorigo – M.O. Sogno Veneto – Trofeo Merotto Spumanti and placing second in the Watersley Junior Challenge and Ain Bugey Valromey Tour.
Seixas similarly finished 25th in the junior men’s road race at the 2024 UCI World Championships, showcasing his ability to compete on the global stage.
The Decathlon CMA CGM squad for La Flèche Wallonne includes five other French riders: Léo Bisiaux, Stan Dewulf, Noa Isidore, Antoine L’Hote, and Jordan Labrosse, forming a strong national contingent.
Additional team members Paul Lapeira and Quentin Pacher complete the seven-rider lineup selected for the Belgian WorldTour event.
This year’s race follows Tadej Pogacar’s back-to-back victories in 2024 and 2025, with the Slovenian superstar having beaten Kevin Vauquelin in the 2024 edition while Vauquelin rode for Arkéa-B&B Hôtels.
The Mur de Huy, with its average gradient of 9.3% over 1.3 kilometers and sections exceeding 20%, remains the decisive climb where La Flèche Wallonne is traditionally won and lost.
Seixas enters the race as an outsider but one generating significant interest, particularly after his strong showing in the Tour du Pays Basque earlier in the season.
His development has been closely monitored, with experts noting his potential to contend for stage races and one-day classics as he transitions to the U23 ranks.
The Decathlon CMA CGM team has emphasized a collective approach, aiming to support Seixas while allowing other riders to pursue opportunities based on race dynamics.
La Flèche Wallonne serves as a key preparatory race for Liège-Bastogne-Liège, which takes place just two days later on Sunday, creating a demanding Ardennes weekend for the peloton.
For global cycling fans, the midweek timing offers a prime viewing window, with the race typically concluding in the late morning Central European Time.
The event continues to attract attention as one of cycling’s most distinctive classics, combining a challenging route with the unique spectacle of the Mur de Huy finish.
As the sport looks toward the summer Grand Tours, performances in races like La Flèche Wallonne often provide early indicators of form and readiness for the challenges ahead.
Follow Archysport for continued coverage of the 2026 Ardennes classics and all developments from the WorldTour season.
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