Paul Seixas Dominates Itzulia Basque Country with Historic Third Stage Win in Eibar

In the storied tradition of Basque cycling, victory in Eibar is the ultimate validation. For 19-year-old Paul Seixas, Friday’s triumph in the queen stage of the Itzulia Basque Country was more than just a win—it was a statement of absolute dominance. The Frenchman, riding for Decathlon CMA CGM, secured his third victory of the race, cementing a debut performance that will be discussed for years to come.

Seixas didn’t just win the stage; he dismantled the competition in a display of poise and power that belied his age. Finishing the 176.2-kilometer route in 4 hours, 30 minutes, and 2 seconds—averaging 39.2 km/h—the young phenom proved that he is currently the man to beat in the hills of the Basque Country.

A Masterclass in Eibar

The fifth stage was designed to break the strongest riders, featuring a volatile course that agitated the peloton in Krabelin and took shape in the grueling climbs of Izua. As the race approached its climax in the armory town of Eibar, the tension peaked between the race’s most dangerous contenders.

Florian Lipowitz of Red Bull Bora attempted to shake the Frenchman with a decisive attack approximately 70 kilometers from the finish line. But, Seixas responded with ease, neutralizing the move and staying glued to the German’s wheel. When the two finally hit the streets of Eibar, it came down to a high-stakes sprint. Seixas showcased a surprising turn of speed, out-sprinting Lipowitz to claim the stage victory.

The Frenchman responded with ease to the attack of Lipowitz 70 kilometers from the finish and surpassed him in the final sprint in Eibar to achieve his third victory in the Basque round.

Rewriting the Record Books

To understand the magnitude of Seixas’ achievement, one must look at the history of the Vuelta al País Vasco. At just 19 years old, Seixas has develop into the youngest rider ever to win three stages in the competition. More impressively, he has achieved this during his very first participation in the race.

The last rider to secure three stage wins in a single Itzulia was Maximilian Schachmann in 2019. At the time riding for Bora, Schachmann took the time trial in Zumarraga, the third stage ending in Estibaliz, and the following stage in Arrigorriaga.

To find a debutant who mirrored Seixas’ success, historians have to go back to 1984. That year, the legendary Irishman Sean Kelly—who would go on to amass 159 career victories—debuted in the Itzulia and claimed wins in Mungia, Beasain, and the final time trial between Orio and Zarautz. By matching this feat, Seixas has placed his name alongside one of the greatest cyclists in history.

General Classification Implications

While Seixas captured the headlines with his stage hunting, the battle for the overall lead remains fierce. Heading into the Eibar stage, Primoz Roglic and Florian Lipowitz held the second and third positions in the general classification, respectively. Lipowitz’s second-place finish in the queen stage keeps him firmly in the hunt for the final podium.

Meanwhile, Ion Izagirre continues to ride with determination, maintaining his hopes for a podium finish in a race that has been defined by the emergence of new talent and the resilience of established veterans.

Key Statistics: Stage 5

• Winner: Paul Seixas (FRA/Decathlon CMA CGM)
• Runner-up: Florian Lipowitz (GER/Red Bull Bora)
• Distance: 176.2 km
• Winning Time: 4h 30:02
• Average Speed: 39.2 km/h
• Seixas’ Total Wins: 3

The Rise of a New Star

For many analysts, the most striking aspect of Seixas’ performance is the mental maturity he has displayed. Navigating the technical descents and steep gradients of the Basque Country requires more than just physical strength; it requires a tactical understanding of the race. Seixas has demonstrated both, refusing to let opportunities slip away in the final sprints.

His ability to track down a rider of Lipowitz’s caliber after a demanding day in the saddle suggests a level of recovery and endurance rarely seen in riders under 20. As he heads toward the conclusion of the race in Bergara, the cycling world is watching to see if this momentum can carry him to an overall victory.

The Itzulia has always been a race that rewards the brave and the bold. By conquering Eibar, Paul Seixas has not only won a stage but has announced himself as a future cornerstone of the professional peloton.

The race now moves toward its final resolution in Bergara, where the general classification will be decided. Stay tuned for the final standings and the crowning of the 2026 Itzulia champion.

Do you think Paul Seixas is the next great Grand Tour contender, or is this a once-in-a-lifetime peak? Let us grasp your thoughts in the comments below.