Paul Seixas Makes History as Youngest Winner of Itzulia Basque Country

The professional cycling world has a new phenomenon. Paul Seixas, the 19-year-old prodigy riding for Decathlon CMA CGM Team, has claimed the overall title at the Tour du Pays basque (Itzulia Basque Country), cementing his status as one of the most formidable young talents the sport has seen in years.

Seixas didn’t just win the race; he dominated it. By the time the peloton reached the final stages, the Lyonnais rider had displayed a level of composure and strength that left seasoned veterans struggling to maintain pace. His victory marks him as the youngest winner in the history of the Itzulia Basque Country, a feat that underscores a meteoric rise from the junior ranks to the summit of WorldTour racing.

The turning point of the competition arrived during the fifth stage, the designated “queen stage” of the tour. In a day defined by a punishing series of climbs and descents, Seixas proved he was untouchable. Despite admitting he was not feeling his absolute best, the Frenchman utilized his team’s support to navigate a chaotic race filled with aggressive attacks.

The primary challenge came from Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe, specifically from Primoz Roglic and Florian Lipowitz, who were Seixas’ closest pursuers in the general classification. Lipowitz attempted to break the Frenchman during the ascent and descent of the Krabelin—a brutal 5-kilometer climb averaging 9.4%—but Seixas remained glued to his wheel.

The decisive blow landed on the Izua, a 3.6-kilometer climb at 9.9%. Seixas launched a devastating attack that only Lipowitz could partially resist. Although the German rider managed to follow him to the end, he ultimately succumbed in the final sprint, handing Seixas his third stage victory in just five days of racing.

The final stage on Saturday provided a stark contrast in conditions. A rain-battered finale saw the stage win travel to American rider AJ August of Ineos, but the overall victory remained firmly in the grasp of Seixas. Despite being isolated in the closing moments of the race, the young Frenchman crossed the line in Bergara to secure his first WorldTour stage race title.

The Rise of a Prodigy

To understand the magnitude of this win, one must look at the trajectory of Paul Seixas. Born on September 24, 2006, in Lyon, France, Seixas possesses a pedigree of athletic excellence. Both of his parents, Emmanuel and Emmanuelle Seixas, were competitive karate athletes, with his father having been a runner-up in the French national championships.

Seixas’ passion for cycling was sparked early, watching races on television with his grandfather. By age eight, he was already riding with the local club Lyon Sprint Évolution. That early start translated into immediate success on the international stage. He captured the junior time trial title at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships in Zurich and later dominated the 2025 Tour de l’Avenir, winning the overall classification along with two stages.

His transition to the professional ranks has been seamless. In 2025, he became the youngest rider ever to finish in the top 10 of a UCI World Tour stage race during the Critérium du Dauphiné. He also proved his versatility by finishing second at the prestigious Strade Bianche that same year.

The 2026 season has seen Seixas evolve from a “talent to watch” into a consistent winner. Before his triumph in the Basque Country, he had already secured a victory at the Faun Ardèche Classic and claimed a stage win at the Volta ao Algarve.

By the Numbers: A Dominant Campaign

Seixas’ performance at the Tour du Pays basque was a masterclass in efficiency and power. Here is a breakdown of his impact during the event:

• Stage Wins: 3 victories (including the pivotal 5th stage).
• Historical Milestone: Youngest overall winner in the history of the event.
• Key Ascent: Decisive attack on the Izua (3.6 km at 9.9%).
• Age: 19 years old.

For those unfamiliar with the nature of the Itzulia Basque Country, We see widely regarded as one of the most difficult stage races on the calendar due to its short, steep climbs and technical descents. Winning here requires not just raw power, but an innate ability to handle a bike under extreme pressure—skills Seixas demonstrated in abundance.

What So for the WorldTour

Seixas’ victory is more than just a personal milestone; it is a signal to the rest of the peloton. His ability to withstand attacks from established stars like Primoz Roglic suggests that the traditional gap between “young talent” and “GC contender” is shrinking.

His mastery of the “queen stage” showed a tactical maturity rarely seen in riders under 20. Rather than panicking under the pressure of the Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe attacks, Seixas waited for the optimal moment to strike, showcasing a psychological resilience that matches his physical gifts.

With a victory at the Tour du Pays basque and a win at the Ardèche Classic already on his 2026 resume, Seixas is no longer just a prospect. He is a protagonist in the modern era of cycling.

The cycling world now looks forward to seeing how this momentum carries into the larger Grand Tours and monuments. If his performance in the Basque Country is any indication, the “next great talent” has officially arrived.

Follow the latest updates on the UCI WorldTour calendar and Paul Seixas’ upcoming races via the official Paul Seixas profile and Eurosport cycling coverage.

What do you suppose of Paul Seixas’ historic win? Is he the future of French cycling? Let us know in the comments below.