Paul Seixas warned Pogacar absence will not clear Worlds

Paul Seixas has been reminded that Tadej Pogacar’s possible absence from the World Championships would open the race without making him the clear favourite. The French rider may benefit from the Slovenian’s problems, but the opportunity will also belong to every leading contender targeting the rainbow jersey.

Pogacar abandoned the eighth stage of the Vuelta a España after crashing into a large stone at the roadside. He suffered multiple injuries and required surgery, leaving his participation at the World Championships at the end of September in doubt. It was his first withdrawal from a race since Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2023.

Cyrille Guimard, Bernard Hinault’s former manager and now a consultant, said Pogacar’s absence would make the event more open. He stressed that the change would help French riders, but not them alone, with other high-level competitors also likely to approach the race with greater ambition. Guimard added that winning would require a flawless ride in a less predictable contest.

That assessment tempers hopes that Seixas could take advantage of a straightforward route to the title. The French rider and national selector Thomas Voeckler know that Pogacar is not the only major threat, and that several riders will now see a stronger chance of becoming world champion.