In one of the most astonishing performances of the 2025 European Road Cycling Championships, 19-year-old French rider Paul Seixas rode his way into the history books — and the hearts of cycling fans — by finishing third behind global superstars Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel in the elite men’s road race.
Competing in his first major elite championship, Seixas didn’t just hold his own — he took the fight to some of the biggest names in modern cycling. His bronze medal finish marks a generational moment not only for French cycling, but for the sport at large.
A Battle of Eras
Held on a grueling 215km course through the rolling terrain of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, the road race quickly evolved into a war of attrition. With early breakaways neutralized and teams battling to control the pace, it was no surprise to see Pogacar and Evenepoel make their move on the final circuits.
But what nobody expected was Seixas’s bold response.
“I saw them go, and something in me just said: ‘Go with them.’ I didn’t think, I just followed,” Seixas said after the race, still breathless and wide-eyed.
With poise well beyond his years, Seixas matched accelerations and gritted through every attack, staying in contact with two of the most explosive riders in the world. While Pogacar eventually surged to take the win and Evenepoel sealed silver, Seixas crossed the line just seconds behind — fists raised and disbelief written across his face.
A New Name Among Giants
While Pogacar and Evenepoel are household names — Grand Tour winners and global icons — Seixas is still a relative unknown outside French cycling circles. Born in 2006 and rising quickly through the U23 ranks, his raw talent has long been recognized by national selectors. But few would have predicted a podium this soon, and in such elite company.
“This is only the beginning,” said French national team coach Marc Fournier. “Paul showed today that he doesn’t just have the legs — he has the heart, the brain, and the hunger. He wasn’t intimidated. That’s rare.”
Indeed, Seixas’s ride wasn’t a fluke of positioning or chance. He earned it through decisive racing, confident tactics, and an unwavering belief in himself.
“The Future Is Now”
In a sport where experience often reigns supreme, Seixas’s breakthrough is being hailed as a changing of the guard. Social media was ablaze with praise, with cycling fans and pros alike celebrating the teenager’s performance.
Even Pogacar, the newly crowned European Champion, took a moment to congratulate Seixas post-race.
> “I didn’t know much about him before today,” Pogacar admitted. “But he impressed me. Big respect.”
Looking Ahead
With this result, Paul Seixas has not only announced himself as a future contender — he’s already proven he belongs among the best. Whether he remains with the French national setup or secures a full-time WorldTour contract in the near future, one thing is certain: this is just the beginning.
“I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was a kid,” Seixas said, looking out over the medal ceremony crowd. “To be on that podium… with those two riders… it still doesn’t feel real. But I’m ready. I want more.”
At just 19, Paul Seixas may have grown up idolizing the likes of Pogacar and Evenepoel — but as of today, he’s no longer just chasing them. He’s standing right beside them.
Leave a Reply