{"id":2053370,"date":"2026-07-20T18:17:51","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T15:17:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2053370"},"modified":"2026-07-20T18:17:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T15:17:51","slug":"i-hope-that-it-will-be-just-as-good-19-year-old-paul-seixas-heads-into-tour-de-france-final-week-within-striking-distance-of-gc-podium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2053370","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I hope that it will be just as good&#8217; \u2013 19-year-old Paul Seixas heads into Tour de France final week within striking distance of GC podium"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-2560-80.png&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vRA3BUSK6BndDcVm9WDFCh-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vRA3BUSK6BndDcVm9WDFCh-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Dramatic stage 15 delivers changes in top three\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/r9fHLJ4q3CUrcC2mEGwsbf-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Peerless Poga\u010dar drains tension out of the Tour de France as Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s losing battle brings podium scramble into focus \u2013 GC analysis\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xe6KEkPVB2KuQktuHJZNwm-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xe6KEkPVB2KuQktuHJZNwm-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;He&#8217;s turned this race upside down&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock rockets himself to within reach of Tour de France GC podium with huge team effort\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I hope that it will be just as good&#8217; \u2013 19-year-old Paul Seixas heads into Tour de France final week within striking distance of GC podium<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-20T18:17:51Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">French teenager sits 25 seconds behind Isaac del Toro in race for third after passing almost every test so far on debut<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Paul Seixas<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" 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whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a7123872-8460-11f1-9cb7-117e1d961ac5\">Paul Seixas has not only survived two weeks of racing at the most anticipated Tour de France debut in recent memory, but thrived, as he sits well in the race for the podium in fourth overall, 6:23 behind yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar, but just 25 seconds away from Isaac del Toro in third place.<\/p>\n<p>On stage 15, Seixas unsuccessfully defended the white jersey against the young Mexican star on Plateau de Solaison, but nonetheless reaffirmed that the he has the capacity to compete in a Grand Tour, as he valiantly rode to limit his losses on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a7123872-8460-11f1-9cb7-117e1d961ac5-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas was harsh with himself after being joined by his family atop the climb, admitting that he &#8220;hesitated too much&#8221; when the duo of UAE Team Emirates-XRG leaders started to kick off the action on the 11.3km ascent with Poga\u010dar upping the pace in domestique mode.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By the time they reached the summit, the 19-year-old had lost 58 seconds, but only to Poga\u010dar, Del Toro, and winner Remco Evenepoel. Considering this is the longest race he&#8217;s ever done in his career, and that he is the youngest starter in the Tour for 89 years, it&#8217;s his strive for perfection that shone through when he spoke at the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was very hard. It opened up from very far out. I wanted to manage my effort, so I did the climb at my rhythm,&#8221; said Seixas to the army of microphones that surrounded him, only able to part the scrum when he asked if his parents could come through for an embrace.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Extremely dangerous&#8217; \u2013 Teenager Paul Seixas navigates &#8216;melting&#8217; descents at Tour de France to move up to fifth overall on debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;To hell with Poga\u010dar, Paul Seixas mania has begun&#8217; \u2013 Amid incredible atmosphere, the great home hope ignites the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I maybe could have pushed a bit harder at certain moments. I hesitated too much. In the end, I still finished strongly. It was still a good climb and I\u2019m still in the mix for the GC, so it\u2019s OK.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas mania has been exploding into life every day he&#8217;s lived up to the massive expectation following him around France these past two weeks, but he&#8217;s coming to the business end of the race in the third week, where a time trial and two days to Alpe d&#8217;Huez could make or break his debut.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TffA8XSu8vjFempPGrdSjX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TffA8XSu8vjFempPGrdSjX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cOverall, I\u2019m happy. I did a good performance, I think. For sure it wasn\u2019t ideal with the puncture at the start. I used up some bullets there \u2013 it\u2019s some precious seconds that I could have saved,&#8221; said Seixas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s a shame, but that\u2019s how it is; we see the positives. I\u2019ve succeeded in staying solid for now; I\u2019ve recovered well. I hope that it will be just as good in the third week.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did what I could. I hope for a better result, but that\u2019s life. Sometimes there are stronger guys, and they were stronger today, so chapeau to them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Paul Seixas heads into the unknown on first high mountain stage<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We expected to see gaps&#8217; \u2013 French prodigy Paul Seixas loses time to main rivals in team time trial as he makes highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half of Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas has a chance to strike back on Tuesday&#8217;s stage 16 in the 26.1km race against the clock to Thonon-les-Bains, where \u2013 despite likely not being on the level of Evenepoel or Poga\u010dar in an ITT \u2013 his pedigree as a former junior world champion in the discipline could see him take time on Del Toro and move closer to third overall.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Frenchman has only raced twice against the clock on his own this season, at the Volta ao Algarve, where he finished fourth in a stacked field, and at Itzulia Basque Country, where he won the opening stage to take yellow, beating the likes of current fifth place on GC at the Tour, Florian Lipowitz, by 33 seconds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even if Seixas finds the third week too tough and drops in the standings, what he&#8217;s shown up to this point at such a young age confirms why the super teams of the peloton are after his long-term signature. But if he continues on his current trajectory and does find his way into that top three, that interest, and indeed his price tag, will only skyrocket further.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a7123994-8460-11f1-9da4-3b25bd6dc90f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-TffA8XSu8vjFempPGrdSjX\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-TffA8XSu8vjFempPGrdSjX slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Extremely dangerous&#8217; \u2013 Teenager Paul Seixas navigates &#8216;melting&#8217; descents at Tour de France to move up to fifth overall on debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;To hell with Poga\u010dar, Paul Seixas mania has begun&#8217; \u2013 Amid incredible atmosphere, the great home hope ignites the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Paul Seixas heads into the unknown on first high mountain stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We expected to see gaps&#8217; \u2013 French prodigy Paul Seixas loses time to main rivals in team time trial as he makes highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half of Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bfQauWLuZAGb6barKaJcVg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bfQauWLuZAGb6barKaJcVg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bfQauWLuZAGb6barKaJcVg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bfQauWLuZAGb6barKaJcVg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bfQauWLuZAGb6barKaJcVg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Tour de France is far from over &#8211; A triple header of mountains and 120 seconds are among the reasons why you should watch the last week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The main goal is to have Remco on the podium in Paris&#8217; \u2013 Florian Lipowitz ready to work for Evenepoel in Tour de France podium battle<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Just try to ride the third week of my life&#8217; \u2013 No room for getting carried away for Remco Evenepoel despite becoming closest challenger to Poga\u010dar at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5v6TCqyHT55MzjeE35gmMK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5v6TCqyHT55MzjeE35gmMK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5v6TCqyHT55MzjeE35gmMK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5v6TCqyHT55MzjeE35gmMK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5v6TCqyHT55MzjeE35gmMK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why were Tour de France riders tested in the middle of the night? Anti-doping body defends need to carry out &#8216;effective testing&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QcTQirwXfw9t527owdnbcc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QcTQirwXfw9t527owdnbcc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QcTQirwXfw9t527owdnbcc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QcTQirwXfw9t527owdnbcc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QcTQirwXfw9t527owdnbcc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France stage 16 time trial start times \u2013 When Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel and all the favourites will start their efforts<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d8axjyasS74KwpXC6eVcpM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d8axjyasS74KwpXC6eVcpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d8axjyasS74KwpXC6eVcpM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d8axjyasS74KwpXC6eVcpM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d8axjyasS74KwpXC6eVcpM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">FDJ United-SUEZ score victory in Kate Courtney&#8217;s first race as Van Agt takes first pro win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Riders association calls for &#8216;intelligent fight against doping&#8217; after multiple riders subjected to overnight testing at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The main goal is to have Remco on the podium in Paris&#8217; \u2013 Florian Lipowitz ready to work for Evenepoel in Tour de France podium battle<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Just try to ride the third week of my life&#8217; \u2013 No room for getting carried away for Remco Evenepoel despite becoming closest challenger to Poga\u010dar at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Streaming<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch Tour de France Stage 16: All the broadcasters and live streams for a crucial time-trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Juan had a hard time&#8217; \u2013 After tough mountain stage, Lidl-Trek hope Juan Ayuso can turn GC campaign around in Tour de France third week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Riders association calls for &#8216;intelligent fight against doping&#8217; after multiple riders subjected to overnight testing at Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I hope that it will be just as good&#8217; \u2013 19-year-old Paul Seixas heads into Tour de France final week within striking distance of GC podium<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">The Tour de France is far from over &#8211; A triple header of mountains and 120 seconds are among the reasons why you should watch the last week<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The main goal is to have Remco on the podium in Paris&#8217; \u2013 Florian Lipowitz ready to work for Evenepoel in Tour de France podium battle<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I hope that it will be just as good&#8217; \u2013 19-year-old Paul Seixas heads into Tour de France final week within striking distance of GC podium<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-20T18:17:51Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">French teenager sits 25 seconds behind Isaac del Toro in race for third after passing almost every test so far on debut<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-1920-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Paul Seixas<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a7123872-8460-11f1-9cb7-117e1d961ac5\">Paul Seixas has not only survived two weeks of racing at the most anticipated Tour de France debut in recent memory, but thrived, as he sits well in the race for the podium in fourth overall, 6:23 behind yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar, but just 25 seconds away from Isaac del Toro in third place.<\/p>\n<p>On stage 15, Seixas unsuccessfully defended the white jersey against the young Mexican star on Plateau de Solaison, but nonetheless reaffirmed that the he has the capacity to compete in a Grand Tour, as he valiantly rode to limit his losses on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a7123872-8460-11f1-9cb7-117e1d961ac5-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas was harsh with himself after being joined by his family atop the climb, admitting that he &#8220;hesitated too much&#8221; when the duo of UAE Team Emirates-XRG leaders started to kick off the action on the 11.3km ascent with Poga\u010dar upping the pace in domestique mode.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By the time they reached the summit, the 19-year-old had lost 58 seconds, but only to Poga\u010dar, Del Toro, and winner Remco Evenepoel. Considering this is the longest race he&#8217;s ever done in his career, and that he is the youngest starter in the Tour for 89 years, it&#8217;s his strive for perfection that shone through when he spoke at the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was very hard. It opened up from very far out. I wanted to manage my effort, so I did the climb at my rhythm,&#8221; said Seixas to the army of microphones that surrounded him, only able to part the scrum when he asked if his parents could come through for an embrace.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Extremely dangerous&#8217; \u2013 Teenager Paul Seixas navigates &#8216;melting&#8217; descents at Tour de France to move up to fifth overall on debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;To hell with Poga\u010dar, Paul Seixas mania has begun&#8217; \u2013 Amid incredible atmosphere, the great home hope ignites the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I maybe could have pushed a bit harder at certain moments. I hesitated too much. In the end, I still finished strongly. It was still a good climb and I\u2019m still in the mix for the GC, so it\u2019s OK.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas mania has been exploding into life every day he&#8217;s lived up to the massive expectation following him around France these past two weeks, but he&#8217;s coming to the business end of the race in the third week, where a time trial and two days to Alpe d&#8217;Huez could make or break his debut.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TffA8XSu8vjFempPGrdSjX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TffA8XSu8vjFempPGrdSjX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cOverall, I\u2019m happy. I did a good performance, I think. For sure it wasn\u2019t ideal with the puncture at the start. I used up some bullets there \u2013 it\u2019s some precious seconds that I could have saved,&#8221; said Seixas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s a shame, but that\u2019s how it is; we see the positives. I\u2019ve succeeded in staying solid for now; I\u2019ve recovered well. I hope that it will be just as good in the third week.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did what I could. I hope for a better result, but that\u2019s life. Sometimes there are stronger guys, and they were stronger today, so chapeau to them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Paul Seixas heads into the unknown on first high mountain stage<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We expected to see gaps&#8217; \u2013 French prodigy Paul Seixas loses time to main rivals in team time trial as he makes highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half of Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas has a chance to strike back on Tuesday&#8217;s stage 16 in the 26.1km race against the clock to Thonon-les-Bains, where \u2013 despite likely not being on the level of Evenepoel or Poga\u010dar in an ITT \u2013 his pedigree as a former junior world champion in the discipline could see him take time on Del Toro and move closer to third overall.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Frenchman has only raced twice against the clock on his own this season, at the Volta ao Algarve, where he finished fourth in a stacked field, and at Itzulia Basque Country, where he won the opening stage to take yellow, beating the likes of current fifth place on GC at the Tour, Florian Lipowitz, by 33 seconds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even if Seixas finds the third week too tough and drops in the standings, what he&#8217;s shown up to this point at such a young age confirms why the super teams of the peloton are after his long-term signature. But if he continues on his current trajectory and does find his way into that top three, that interest, and indeed his price tag, will only skyrocket further.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a7123994-8460-11f1-9da4-3b25bd6dc90f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-TffA8XSu8vjFempPGrdSjX\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-TffA8XSu8vjFempPGrdSjX slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Extremely dangerous&#8217; \u2013 Teenager Paul Seixas navigates &#8216;melting&#8217; descents at Tour de France to move up to fifth overall on debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;To hell with Poga\u010dar, Paul Seixas mania has begun&#8217; \u2013 Amid incredible atmosphere, the great home hope ignites the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Paul Seixas heads into the unknown on first high mountain stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We expected to see gaps&#8217; \u2013 French prodigy Paul Seixas loses time to main rivals in team time trial as he makes highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half of Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bfQauWLuZAGb6barKaJcVg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bfQauWLuZAGb6barKaJcVg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bfQauWLuZAGb6barKaJcVg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bfQauWLuZAGb6barKaJcVg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bfQauWLuZAGb6barKaJcVg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Tour de France is far from over &#8211; A triple header of mountains and 120 seconds are among the reasons why you should watch the last week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The main goal is to have Remco on the podium in Paris&#8217; \u2013 Florian Lipowitz ready to work for Evenepoel in Tour de France podium battle<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Just try to ride the third week of my life&#8217; \u2013 No room for getting carried away for Remco Evenepoel despite becoming closest challenger to Poga\u010dar at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5v6TCqyHT55MzjeE35gmMK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5v6TCqyHT55MzjeE35gmMK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5v6TCqyHT55MzjeE35gmMK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5v6TCqyHT55MzjeE35gmMK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5v6TCqyHT55MzjeE35gmMK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why were Tour de France riders tested in the middle of the night? Anti-doping body defends need to carry out &#8216;effective testing&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QcTQirwXfw9t527owdnbcc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QcTQirwXfw9t527owdnbcc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QcTQirwXfw9t527owdnbcc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QcTQirwXfw9t527owdnbcc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QcTQirwXfw9t527owdnbcc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France stage 16 time trial start times \u2013 When Poga\u010dar, Evenepoel and all the favourites will start their efforts<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d8axjyasS74KwpXC6eVcpM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d8axjyasS74KwpXC6eVcpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d8axjyasS74KwpXC6eVcpM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d8axjyasS74KwpXC6eVcpM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d8axjyasS74KwpXC6eVcpM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">FDJ United-SUEZ score victory in Kate Courtney&#8217;s first race as Van Agt takes first pro win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Riders association calls for &#8216;intelligent fight against doping&#8217; after multiple riders subjected to overnight testing at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8QL6NUnWwJiJ8GxQE4go47-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The main goal is to have Remco on the podium in Paris&#8217; \u2013 Florian Lipowitz ready to work for Evenepoel in Tour de France podium battle<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TVzDoFu3LZqS9Y9RFckjEN-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Just try to ride the third week of my life&#8217; \u2013 No room for getting carried away for Remco Evenepoel despite becoming closest challenger to Poga\u010dar at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UUcV6BF2iqvJqw8iC8MZhK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Streaming<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch Tour de France Stage 16: All the broadcasters and live streams for a crucial time-trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/L4EMQNcGXbP3b5och8tduh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Juan had a hard time&#8217; \u2013 After tough mountain stage, Lidl-Trek hope Juan Ayuso can turn GC campaign around in Tour de France third week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kXbtRHuzGrv6kzYtwGLQ2e.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Riders association calls for &#8216;intelligent fight against doping&#8217; after multiple riders subjected to overnight testing at Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I hope that it will be just as good&#8217; \u2013 19-year-old Paul Seixas heads into Tour de France final week within striking distance of GC podium<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">The Tour de France is far from over &#8211; A triple header of mountains and 120 seconds are among the reasons why you should watch the last week<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The main goal is to have Remco on the podium in Paris&#8217; \u2013 Florian Lipowitz ready to work for Evenepoel in Tour de France podium battle<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I hope that it will be just as good&#8217; \u2013 19-year-old Paul Seixas heads into Tour de France final week within striking distance of GC podium<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-20T18:17:51Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n20 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">French teenager sits 25 seconds behind Isaac del Toro in race for third after passing almost every test so far on debut<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a7123872-8460-11f1-9cb7-117e1d961ac5\">Paul Seixas has not only survived two weeks of racing at the most anticipated Tour de France debut in recent memory, but thrived, as he sits well in the race for the podium in fourth overall, 6:23 behind yellow jersey Tadej Poga\u010dar, but just 25 seconds away from Isaac del Toro in third place.<\/p>\n<p>On stage 15, Seixas unsuccessfully defended the white jersey against the young Mexican star on Plateau de Solaison, but nonetheless reaffirmed that the he has the capacity to compete in a Grand Tour, as he valiantly rode to limit his losses on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a7123872-8460-11f1-9cb7-117e1d961ac5-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas was harsh with himself after being joined by his family atop the climb, admitting that he &#8220;hesitated too much&#8221; when the duo of UAE Team Emirates-XRG leaders started to kick off the action on the 11.3km ascent with Poga\u010dar upping the pace in domestique mode.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By the time they reached the summit, the 19-year-old had lost 58 seconds, but only to Poga\u010dar, Del Toro, and winner Remco Evenepoel. Considering this is the longest race he&#8217;s ever done in his career, and that he is the youngest starter in the Tour for 89 years, it&#8217;s his strive for perfection that shone through when he spoke at the finish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was very hard. It opened up from very far out. I wanted to manage my effort, so I did the climb at my rhythm,&#8221; said Seixas to the army of microphones that surrounded him, only able to part the scrum when he asked if his parents could come through for an embrace.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wyURmkioydvbtXnkz28DZB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Extremely dangerous&#8217; \u2013 Teenager Paul Seixas navigates &#8216;melting&#8217; descents at Tour de France to move up to fifth overall on debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjGkbwMqYUcLFPQ9mEKJJd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;To hell with Poga\u010dar, Paul Seixas mania has begun&#8217; \u2013 Amid incredible atmosphere, the great home hope ignites the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TnhXhwXobYEh67ozzuCjmZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I was where I should be&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas passes first Tour de France mountain test on Tourmalet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I maybe could have pushed a bit harder at certain moments. I hesitated too much. In the end, I still finished strongly. It was still a good climb and I\u2019m still in the mix for the GC, so it\u2019s OK.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas mania has been exploding into life every day he&#8217;s lived up to the massive expectation following him around France these past two weeks, but he&#8217;s coming to the business end of the race in the third week, where a time trial and two days to Alpe d&#8217;Huez could make or break his debut.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TffA8XSu8vjFempPGrdSjX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TffA8XSu8vjFempPGrdSjX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cOverall, I\u2019m happy. I did a good performance, I think. For sure it wasn\u2019t ideal with the puncture at the start. I used up some bullets there \u2013 it\u2019s some precious seconds that I could have saved,&#8221; said Seixas.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s a shame, but that\u2019s how it is; we see the positives. I\u2019ve succeeded in staying solid for now; I\u2019ve recovered well. I hope that it will be just as good in the third week.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did what I could. I hope for a better result, but that\u2019s life. Sometimes there are stronger guys, and they were stronger today, so chapeau to them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Paul Seixas heads into the unknown on first high mountain stage<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2BFKxgfQxWfTt2ReFtBAXW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;We expected to see gaps&#8217; \u2013 French prodigy Paul Seixas loses time to main rivals in team time trial as he makes highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kTCf9ruRbvkLBF2zvJ48UQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Early sprint stage win for Decathlon &#8216;takes a huge amount of pressure off&#8217; teenage leader Paul Seixas in second half of Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas has a chance to strike back on Tuesday&#8217;s stage 16 in the 26.1km race against the clock to Thonon-les-Bains, where \u2013 despite likely not being on the level of Evenepoel or Poga\u010dar in an ITT \u2013 his pedigree as a former junior world champion in the discipline could see him take time on Del Toro and move closer to third overall.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Frenchman has only raced twice against the clock on his own this season, at the Volta ao Algarve, where he finished fourth in a stacked field, and at Itzulia Basque Country, where he won the opening stage to take yellow, beating the likes of current fifth place on GC at the Tour, Florian Lipowitz, by 33 seconds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even if Seixas finds the third week too tough and drops in the standings, what he&#8217;s shown up to this point at such a young age confirms why the super teams of the peloton are after his long-term signature. But if he continues on his current trajectory and does find his way into that top three, that interest, and indeed his price tag, will only skyrocket further.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a7123994-8460-11f1-9da4-3b25bd6dc90f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/i-hope-that-it-will-be-just-as-good-19-year-old-paul-seixas-heads-into-tour-de-france-final-week-within-striking-distance-of-gc-podium\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mQVF9z4KYoFq6UrttWGUmT-2560-80.png&#8221;] 1 Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Dramatic stage 15 delivers changes in top three 2 Peerless Poga\u010dar drains tension out of the Tour de France as Jonas Vingegaard&#8217;s losing battle brings podium scramble into focus \u2013 GC analysis 3 &#8216;He&#8217;s turned this race upside down&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock rockets himself to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2053370","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2053370","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2053370"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2053370\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2053370"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2053370"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2053370"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}