Paul Seixas confirmed as France's Worlds leader

Paul Seixas will be France’s main contender at the world championships in Canada, with Tadej Pogacar’s withdrawal leaving the road race less predictable. The 19-year-old Frenchman will compete for the title without having to account for the Slovenian, who had won the previous two world championships and was forced out of the Vuelta after a crash damaged his left collarbone.

The world time trial is scheduled for September 20, followed by the road race on September 27. Seixas will first return to competition at the Grand Prix de Québec on September 11 and the Grand Prix de Montréal two days later, following a seven-week break. Those races will also help him adjust to the time difference and assess how other likely world championship contenders are preparing.

Seixas has described Pogacar’s absence as a major change to the race’s likely shape. Riders usually have to monitor the Slovenian closely and respond to his attacks, while his team’s strength limits the chances of moves made before he strikes. With that threat removed, the French leader sees more opportunities for different tactics on the Canadian circuit.

The upcoming races will allow Seixas to study where attacks could work, when positioning will matter and where riders can ease off before moving back into contention. He will lead a France team coached by Thomas Voeckler as he targets a major result at the championships.