Saturday’s stage of Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the race formerly known as Criterium Dauphiné, was expected to be dramatic. But not like this. Before the final climb could shake up the standings, French star Paul Seixas cas caught out in a high speed crash on one of the stage’s descents.

“It is a mistake on my part. I have no excuse whatsoever,” a humbled Seixas told cameras after the race. “This was a stupid mistake,”

“I took too much risk” admits Seixas

The GC leaders were descending during the penultimate day of racing at Dauphiné when the incident occured.

“I approached a corner too fast. I have adopted the habit of overtaking certain riders on the descent to gain positions without wasting too much energy. That is a strategy that is not without risk. Today I paid the price,” an apologetic Seixas told Wielerflits after the finish. “I took too much risk and misjudged a corner. I ended up on the outside of a rider.”

That put him off the race line and into the debris on the edge of the road.

“There was gravel on the left side of the road, causing my wheel to slip. I flew across the asphalt. I slid on my hands and yes… actually with my whole body. As a result, I am scraped all over.”

Seixas estimates he was going 70 kph at the time of the crash. That momentum sent him sliding across the pavement and off of the road.

“I came to a stop in the ditch. For a brief moment, I thought I wouldn’t be able to go any further. I was completely wrecked. I was afraid I had hurt myself terribly. After all, it is always difficult to get back on after a fall at that speed.

Seixas limps across the line to finish stage seveon of Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Photo: Sirotti
“No matter how great the pain is, I’m going to the top.”

Fortunately the Decathlon racer somehow emerged without serious injury. Covered in blood and scrapes but lacking any broken bones. Impressive, considering he estimates he was going 70 kph when he went down. Seixas did rejoin the lead group, after a massive effort to chase back, only to watch Isaac del Toro ride away for the stage win.

The easier descion would have been to leave the race and tend to his wounds. The young French rider wasn’t interested in that option.

“I was dead tired when I rejoined the first group. I tried to gather as much strength as possible. I squeezed out every last bit of energy left in my body on the final climb. It was tough, also with the injuries. I could barely put weight on my arms. I resolved to give it my all. No matter how great the pain is, I’m going to the top. I wanted to give everything for my teammates. These five guys sacrificed themselves completely for me.” And that’s even though they could have abandoned me in the pampas. I wouldn’t even have complained, because that was all I deserved. And voilà, today I simply have to hat off to them. They should know that I love them.”

Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes concludes with a final day of racing on Sunday, June 14.