**Facing Pogačar in Il Lombardia Debut: Paul Seixas Embraces the Challenge**

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October 11, 2025

French cycling Phenom Seixas Set to Challenge Elite at Il Lombardia

Bergamo, Italy – The cycling world is abuzz with anticipation as 19-year-old Paul seixas prepares to compete in his first Monument Classic, Il Lombardia, this Saturday. The young Frenchman’s extraordinary performance at the recent European Championships, where he secured a bronze medal, has ignited excitement amongst fans and experts alike.

Seixas’s Breakthrough Season

Riding for the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team, Seixas has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His debut season at the WorldTour level has been marked by consistent strong showings, including an eighth-place finish at the Critérium du Dauphiné, a key warm-up race for the Tour de France. He then demonstrated his climbing prowess by winning the Tour de l’Avenir,a prestigious stage race often considered a proving ground for future Grand Tour contenders.

His success continued at the World Championships in Rwanda, where he finished 13th despite challenging conditions, and at the European Championships, where he battled alongside cycling giants Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel.

Facing the giants: Pogačar and Evenepoel

Il Lombardia is known for its challenging course and often favors strong climbers.This year’s race is expected to be dominated by Pogačar, a two-time winner of the event, and Evenepoel, who will likely attempt to dethrone him. Seixas acknowledges the strength of his rivals, naming them as the clear favorites alongside Isaac Del Toro of UAE Team Emirates.

“The two biggest favorites are obviously Pogi and Remco,” Seixas stated recently. “UAE also have Isaac Del Toro, who’s very strong at the moment, but there are a lot of opponents, which is normal, it’s a Monument.”

Strategic Approach and Optimistic Outlook

Despite facing seasoned professionals, Seixas remains focused on his own performance. He has already completed a reconnaissance of the course,which he describes as ideal for climbers. his team has set a goal of securing a top-ten finish, and Seixas is determined to contribute to that objective.

“The team’s goal is to aim for a top 10. Personally, I’ll see how I feel, it’s my debut in a Monument Classic,” Seixas explained. He anticipates a decisive attack from Pogačar on the Passo di Ganda, a strategy the Slovenian champion has successfully employed in previous editions of the race.

Seixas added with remarkable composure, “If I have the legs, I’ll try to go with him! If I don’t, I won’t be able to.”

Rider	Age	Team	Key Achievements (2024/2025)
paul Seixas	19	Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale	Bronze – European Championships,Winner – Tour de l’Avenir
Tadej Pogačar	25	UAE Team Emirates	Multiple Grand Tour Wins,Two-time Il Lombardia Champion
remco Evenepoel	24	Soudal quick-Step	World Champion,Liège-Bastogne-Liège Winner

Did you know? Il lombardia,frequently enough called the ‘Race of the Falling Leaves’,is the last of the five cycling Monuments,traditionally held in October as the season draws to a close.

Pro Tip: Monitoring weather forecasts is crucial for Il Lombardia, as rain and changing conditions can substantially impact the race dynamics.

Irrespective of the final outcome, Seixas views this season as a resounding success.He has exceeded his own expectations, gaining valuable experience and proving his potential on the world stage. As he eloquently put it,”When you race against Pogačar,you take a bit of a slap in the face. But if the slaps are like that, that’s fine with me!”

The Rise of Young Talents in cycling

The emergence of riders like Paul Seixas highlights a trend of increasingly young and talented cyclists making a meaningful impact on the professional circuit. Factors contributing to this trend include advancements in training methodologies, improved nutrition, and a greater emphasis on developing young riders through dedicated academies and programs. This influx of fresh talent promises to inject new excitement and competition into the sport for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Seixas and Il Lombardia

• Who is Paul Seixas? Paul Seixas is a 19-year-old French cyclist riding for Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, known for his recent success at the European Championships and Tour de l’Avenir.
• What is Il Lombardia? Il Lombardia is a one-day cycling classic, considered one of the five ‘Monuments’ of the sport, known for its challenging course and prestigious history.
• Who are the favorites to win Il Lombardia? Tadej Pogačar and Remco evenepoel are widely considered the primary favorites for victory.
• What are Paul Seixas’s expectations for Il Lombardia? Seixas aims for a top-ten finish and to assess his capabilities on his debut in a Monument Classic.
• What has been Seixas’s most significant achievement this season? Winning the Tour de l’Avenir with a dominant performance in the final mountain time trial stage has been a highlight of his season.
• How does the course of Il Lombardia impact the race? The demanding climbs and descents of Il Lombardia favor strong climbers and technically skilled riders.
• What is the importance of racing alongside top cyclists like Pogačar? Racing against elite cyclists like Pogačar provides valuable experience and serves as a benchmark for Seixas’s own growth.

What are your predictions for seixas at Il Lombardia? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

how might Paul Seixas’ performance at Il Lombardia impact his future opportunities within Team velosport?

The Weight of Expectation & Il Lombardia’s Demands

Paul Seixas, the rising star of Team Velosport, is set to make his debut at Il Lombardia on October 11th, 2025. This isn’t just any race; it’s Il Lombardia, the ‘Race of the falling Leaves,’ a monument of cycling renowned for its brutal climbs and tactical complexity. And waiting at the finish line, and throughout the 253km course, is Tadej Pogačar, arguably the strongest cyclist in the world. Seixas isn’t shying away from the challenge; he’s actively embracing it. This article dives into Seixas’ planning, the tactical considerations for facing Pogačar, and what a strong performance could mean for his burgeoning career. Key terms for cycling fans searching for facts include: Il Lombardia, Tadej Pogačar, Paul Seixas, cycling monument, Italian cycling, race strategy.

Seixas’ Preparation: A Focused Build-Up

Seixas’ 2025 season has been meticulously planned around peaking for the late-season classics. Unlike some riders who prioritize the Grand Tours, seixas’ team has focused on one-day races.

* Altitude Training: Three weeks at altitude in the Sierra Nevada, specifically targeting VO2 max improvement and lactate threshold elevation.

* Course Reconnaissance: Seixas spent five days personally reconnoitering key sections of the Il Lombardia route, including the Ghisallo climb and the Civiglio. Understanding the road surface, gradient changes, and potential wind exposure is crucial.

* Specific Strength Work: A tailored strength and conditioning program focusing on core stability and explosive power for short, steep climbs. This complements his already impressive climbing ability.

* Nutritional Strategy: Collaboration with a team nutritionist to optimize fueling and hydration strategies for a race of this duration and intensity. This includes practicing race-day nutrition during training rides.

This focused approach demonstrates a clear intent: Seixas isn’t simply participating; he’s aiming to compete. Related searches include: cycling training, altitude training benefits, Il Lombardia course, race preparation.

The Pogačar Factor: Tactics for a Formidable Opponent

Facing Tadej Pogačar requires a unique tactical approach. Directly matching him on climbs is frequently enough futile. Seixas and Team Velosport have identified several key strategies:

1. Early Attacks: Attempting to disrupt Pogačar’s rhythm with well-timed attacks on the earlier climbs, forcing him to expend energy chasing.
2. Teamwork & Isolation: Utilizing the entire team to control the pace and isolate Pogačar, preventing him from benefiting from the support of his teammates.
3. Exploiting Weaknesses (If Any): While Pogačar appears near-invincible, analyzing his past performances for any potential vulnerabilities – perhaps a dislike for certain road surfaces or a tendency to react slowly to unexpected attacks.
4. Strategic Alliances: Forming temporary alliances with other strong riders to increase the pressure on Pogačar and share the workload.

The key is to avoid a head-to-head battle on the steepest gradients. Instead, Seixas needs to leverage his tactical intelligence and the strength of his team. Keywords: cycling tactics, Tadej Pogačar strategy, race analysis, teamwork in cycling.

Il Lombardia’s Key Climbs: Where the Race Will Be Won

Il Lombardia is defined by its challenging climbs. Understanding these ascents is vital for both riders and fans.

* Ghisallo: A legendary climb with a relatively gentle gradient, often used for early attacks and establishing a breakaway.

* civiglio: A short, brutally steep climb that often serves as a launchpad for decisive attacks in the final kilometers. This is where Pogačar’s power is most likely to be unleashed.

* San Primo: The final climb,offering a challenging ascent before the descent to Como. Positioning and energy conservation are critical here.

Seixas’ ability to navigate these climbs efficiently and strategically will be paramount to his success. Search terms: Ghisallo climb, Civiglio climb, San Primo climb, Il Lombardia climbs, cycling hill climbs.

Seixas’ Potential & The Future of Team Velosport

A strong showing at Il lombardia, even if not a victory, would be a significant milestone for Paul Seixas.It would:

* Elevate his Profile: Competing with and potentially challenging Pogačar would instantly raise