Paul Seixas Dominates Opening Time Trial to Lead Tour du Pays basque

BILBAO, Spain — Paul Seixas has sent a shockwave through the professional peloton, crushing the opening time trial of the 65th Tour du Pays basque to seize an early lead in the general classification.

The French phenom, riding for Decathlon CMA CGM, delivered a masterclass in power and precision on Monday, April 6, navigating a brutal inaugural stage in Bilbao that was designed to shatter the legs of anyone lacking elite climbing and time-trialing capabilities.

For Seixas, the victory is more than just a stage win; We see a statement of intent. Entering the race as one of the most watched young talents in the world, the 19-year-old proved he can compete with—and beat—the established stars of the UCI WorldTour on one of the most demanding terrains in cycling.

A Brutal Blueprint: The Bilbao Time Trial

The opening stage was far from a standard flat time trial. Spanning 13.9 kilometers with 240 meters of elevation gain, the course was a tactical puzzle that required immediate intensity and a punishing final effort.

The challenge began almost immediately with a 2.6-kilometer climb averaging 7.3%, forcing riders to find their rhythm whereas fighting the lactic acid buildup early in the effort. Yet, the true decider was the “wall” at the finish—a 700-meter stretch with a staggering gradient of 19%.

While many favorites struggled to maintain their momentum on the final ramp, Seixas utilized the explosive power that has defined his rapid ascent in the sport to maintain his gap and claim the top spot on the podium. His ability to handle the transition from a high-speed effort to a steep, anaerobic climb left his competitors scrambling.

Note: In professional cycling, the “general classification” (GC) is the overall ranking determined by the lowest cumulative time across all stages of a race.

The Rise of a Prodigy

Seixas’ performance in Bilbao is a continuation of a trajectory that has seen him break records at an unprecedented pace. Born in Lyon, France, in 2006, Seixas has quickly transitioned from a dominant junior to a legitimate WorldTour threat.

His pedigree in the race against the clock is well-documented; he is the 2024 UCI Road World Junior Championships time trial champion. However, it is his ability to translate that speed into stage races that has caught the eye of analysts. In 2025, Seixas became the youngest rider ever to finish in the top 10 of a UCI WorldTour stage race, securing 8th place at the Critérium du Dauphiné at just 18 years old.

By taking the lead at the Tour du Pays basque, Seixas is now attempting to secure his first career general classification victory at this level, marking a potential milestone for one of the most promising French riders in a generation.

A Battle for the Txapela

The victory puts Seixas at the center of a high-stakes battle for the txapela—the traditional Basque beret awarded to the winner of the race. He does not hold the lead in a vacuum; he is surrounded by a field of elite “puncheurs” and climbers using this event as a critical litmus test for the upcoming Ardennes Classics.

Among those chasing the lead is Isaac Del Toro of UAE Team Emirates XRG. The matchup between Seixas and Del Toro has been framed as a “duel of tomorrow,” representing a clash between two of the brightest young stars in the sport. Other heavy hitters in the mix include Primoz Roglic, Juan Ayuso, and Mattias Skjelmose of Lidl-Trek, as well as Ben Healy of EF Education EasyPost.

For these riders, the Tour du Pays basque serves as a vital preparation for La Flèche wallone and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The ability to recover between high-intensity climbs is the primary objective, and Seixas’ dominant start puts immense pressure on the veteran favorites to attack early in the coming days.

The Road to Bergara: What Lies Ahead

While Seixas holds the advantage, the Basque Country is notorious for its relentless topography. The race will conclude this Sunday in Bergara, but the journey there will be grueling.

The remaining five stages are characterized by massive cumulative elevation gains. The third stage is considered the “easiest” of the bunch, yet it still features 2,824 meters of climbing. The fifth stage is the undisputed queen of the race, boasting a punishing 3,814 meters of elevation gain that will likely see the general classification shift violently.

To maintain the lead, Seixas will need more than just time-trialing strength; he will need to survive the “bosses” (short, steep hills) that define the region. The strategic challenge for Decathlon CMA CGM will be defending the jersey against coordinated attacks from powerhouse teams like Lidl-Trek and UAE Team Emirates.

Key Race Specifications

Analysis: Why This Result Matters

Seixas’ win is a tactical victory as much as a physical one. By taking the lead in the opening ITT, he forces other teams to take the initiative. In a race often decided by seconds, having the “virtual” lead allows a rider to react to attacks rather than being the one forced to create a gap.

this result validates the developmental approach of Decathlon CMA CGM. Placing a 19-year-old in a position to lead a WorldTour race demonstrates a high level of confidence in his maturity and tactical awareness. For the global cycling community, it signals that the gap between the junior ranks and the professional elite is narrowing for those with exceptional talent.

The narrative now shifts to whether Seixas can maintain his composure under the pressure of wearing the leader’s jersey. The Basque roads are unforgiving, and the “puncheurs” will be looking for any sign of weakness on the steep gradients of the upcoming stages.

The next confirmed checkpoint is Stage 2, where the peloton will move deeper into the hills, testing whether Seixas’ time-trial dominance can be matched by climbing resilience.

Join the conversation: Can the 19-year-old Paul Seixas hold off the veterans to take the overall win in Bergara? Let us know your predictions in the comments.