“What does the presence of Paul Seixas at the start change in the chemistry of the Tour?
Since the days of J-100 here in Barcelona there has not been a single French, Belgian, Dutch, Spanish or British journalist who has not asked me a question about Paul Seixas. Absolutely everyone, not just us French. Every fan of cycling journalists is talking about him. What’s changing is that we had huge hopes before, that’s the difference, even if he may not do better than Romain Bardet, who finished second. (2016) and 3rd (2017)Thibault Pinot, 3e (2014) and who made us dream so much or Julian (Alaphilip). I haven’t seen this kind of potential since Bernard Hinault.
What is surprising to you about it?
His talent and maturity. His statements after some races impress me almost as much as his performances. I think in particular about what he was able to say after his fall at the Tour of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. He was a champion of incredible maturity, speaking. It was exceptional, this was a leader who took responsibility for everything and thanked his guys. This really impressed me. On the other hand, this change actually occurred due to his victory in the Ardèche. (February 28)when he sets out on his 41km run alone. It was from that moment that I began to say, and not “we won’t blame him if he doesn’t come.” (on tour)“We won’t blame him either.”
Are you personally telling yourself that you might lead the Tour de France with a French winner in the coming years?
No. But I’m glad, that’s for sure, to see such talent at 19 years old. When he was world junior champion (time trial, September 2024)I sent him a message congratulating him. Four days later he wrote back to me, apologizing for not having a Swiss pass. This did not happen even two years ago. When we see a guy doing these shows today, it’s incredible.
Tadej Pogačar is three weeks away from being a potential five-time Tour winner…
For me, outside the Tour, he corresponds to Eddy Merckx, meaning he is there all the time, from the beginning to the end of the season. He is undoubtedly the number one favorite in this episode, without any doubt. He says that he is not interested in history, but of course he is, he knows exactly what the legendary races are, and goes to look for them. The Tour and cycling lover that lies dormant in me wishes it left some time on the edge so it doesn’t kill the opening race, the Tour was made for that too, but it undoubtedly dominates. I’m curious to see him take on Jonas Wingegaard, who I think has bounced back from a terrible fall at the Tour of the Basque Country two years ago and also crushed Paris-Nice, the Tour of Catalunya and the Giro in back-to-back matches.
What impresses you most about Pogacar?
I would say withdrawal rather than retreat. Looking back, I pay more attention to Paul Seixas in his statements, but he has a kind of almost constant withdrawal from competition.
The psychological fatigue he showed last year, do you understand that?
This surprised me last year at the end of the Tour de France. He talked about obsolescence, but in Liege-Bastogne-Liège he won and drove back to the press center, although there was a free car there. He is not afraid to be around people, he does it all exceptionally well.
The rate, as you said, is rising to avoid getting hit too early. Is it difficult to make a plan for the Tour de France when it seems like he has the keys to answer all the questions?
There was a moment when we wondered what difficulty should be set in order for the favorites to attack. I remember hearing the champion say “Vantu isn’t complex enough”. We went back in the complete opposite direction. A hill that may seem harmless will become a fireworks display. With Pogacar, Xuc o May on the stage of Corrèze (July 12)it’s further from the finish line (80 km) than the first time in 2020, but he is capable of sticking one in, and if he does, perhaps Seixas, Vingegaard, Evenepoel will be behind the wheel. This gives you much more opportunities, because you can set difficulties for 20, 30, 40 km. (from the moment of arrival) telling myself that maybe it will give something, whereas ten years ago it was certain that it would not give anything if it had not happened in the last five years.
In this episode he has an appointment in Alpe d’Huez…
Yes, there is not the slightest doubt. It could even be a double date when they both get there. But I’m also interested in seeing Lioran on July 14th. Vingegaard almost beat him in a photo finish (in 2024). Pogačar does not like such defeats. For me, his current dominance stems from his failure in the time trial at Combloux. (2023).
Aside from athletes, heat is a concern. How to protect yourself from this?
There are three types of population: runners, followers and the public. We have champions who sometimes voluntarily train in extreme heat, and we have a climate protocol adopted by the International Cycling Union. (UCI) for several years and beyond there was the possibility of a wider opening of supplies, setting deadlines (liquidation) longer. We will supply additional coolant ourselves. We asked for extra ice cream. There are a whole bunch of things and we are in constant contact with the UCI, riders and team representatives. Next is the formal aspect with the authorities, department prefects, with whom we are in constant contact. Everything will depend on the temperature. Looking ahead, we’ve been looking for things in the undergrowth for five or six years now. The rise of Haaga is indicative in this regard. It is very hard, very uneven and in the shade. But this does not mean that tomorrow there will be no Alpe d’Huez, no Galibier, no Tourmalet, no Ventoux. But the fact remains: there is an element in our route studies that was not there before.
Last summer, the Tour of Spain was disrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Are there any particular concerns about this Grand Départ from Barcelona?
This is a classic and essential adaptation for any edition of the Tour de France. In Barcelona Mossos d’Esquadra (local police force) tell us there is nothing to worry about. »