Paul Seixas optimistic after second place at GP de Montréal

Paul Seixas, the 19-year-old cyclist from Decathlon CMA CGM, finished second at the Grand Prix de Montréal but expressed confidence in learning from the experience and improving ahead of the World Championships set to take place in two weeks. Seixas was part of the leading break during the race, but ultimately lost out to Isaac del Toro of UAE Team Emirates-XRG in the final sprint.

Seixas articulates that instead of focusing on the defeat, he views the race as a vital learning opportunity. He remarked, "I was here to make mistakes to see how it goes, and of course I have some things in the back of my mind to keep for the Worlds." He acknowledged his tactical errors during the race and emphasized the importance of saving some strategies for the upcoming competition. "I don't want to play all my cards before the Worlds," he stated, indicating his intent to refine his approach.

Though struggling with his heart rate early in the race, he found his rhythm as the course grew more challenging. "It's a really hard course, and the race was really hard. It was what I expected ... At first I was not feeling really well, but the power is here," he noted. Seixas looks forward to building on his performance, stating, "I hope the form will grow until the World Championships, but for the moment it seems really good."

Having finished fourth in his debut Tour de France earlier this year, Seixas's confidence is high heading into the World Championships. He stated, "Definitely, it gives me confidence. Today, I feel like I have the legs to fight for the win." He is aware of the strong competition he will face, including del Toro and Remco Evenepoel, but he remains focused on his own progress in the remaining weeks to the championships.