'Just being able to follow him is already something' – Paul Seixas takes another step forward in Liège, and Pogačar is expecting him to start the Tour de France

Junior World Champion Paul Seixas proved his prodigious talent at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, becoming the only rider initially capable of matching Tadej Pogačar's devastating acceleration on the iconic La Redoute. While eventually distanced on the final climb, Seixas, riding as a stagiaire for UAE Team Emirates, impressively finished 28th, just 2:05 behind the dominant Pogačar. This performance prompted the two-time Tour de France winner to publicly state his expectation that Seixas will soon be lining up at the Grand Boucle.

This showing underscores the immense potential of the 18-year-old Frenchman, who already boasts a Junior World Championship title and a contract with UAE Team Emirates' development squad for 2025. To not only survive but briefly contend with the sport's most explosive climber on such a pivotal climb in a Monument is a rare feat for a rider of his age. It signals a rapid progression from the junior ranks, suggesting UAE Team Emirates' investment in youth development, particularly French talent, is already bearing fruit.

Pogačar's endorsement, while perhaps a touch premature for a rider still in the development phase, certainly won't hurt Seixas's trajectory. The pressure, however, has just been dialled up considerably.