French prodigy Seixas stuns the favorites in wild summit finale for first pro win, Riccitello fifth in race loaded with cycling’s rising stars.
Seixas edges Ayuso for the big win in the battle between cycling’s rising stars. (Photo: Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
Updated February 20, 2026 02:23AM
French sensation Paul Seixas blasted to his first pro victory in a spicy, tactical battle between the stars of tomorrow at the Volta ao Algarve.
The teenage prodigy beat back pre-race favorites Juan Ayuso and João Almeida on the Cat. 1 Alta da Fóia (8.8km at 6.2%) in a searing race of wills and wits in the first major showdown of some of cycling’s youngest and best-paid talent this season.
Ayuso was keen to light up the first major climb in his new Lidl-Trek kit and put the team on the front. UAE’s Almeida hovered on his wheel, but Seixas delivered on the hype to counter after Almeida attacked near the top.
“João attacked a lot, but I knew that I had to wait for my moment and just keep as much energy as I could. Then I did a good sprint, even if I was a bit lost with all the corners in the end,” said Seixas, whose grandfather is Portuguese. “My gear was way too big, but I managed to take it, so I am really happy for me and the team.”
American teammate Matthew Riccitello and Ineos Grenadiers recruit Oscar Onley latched on as the five leaders barreled toward the line.
The 19-year-old Seixas was first wheel in the technical final run and fended off Ayuso in a photo-finish for the emotional victory. Because there are no time bonuses, Ayuso takes the lead based on count-back of places.
Fóia is the same summit where other rising talents have won early in their respective careers, with Tadej Pogačar lifting his arms in 2019 and Remco Evenepoel in 2020.
Riccitello — already a winner in his season debut last week — was fifth, while compatriot Brandon McNulty (UAE Emirates-XRG) crashed and lost his chain at the base of the steepest part of the climb and finished 15th at 37 seconds back.
The win serves as early confirmation that Seixas’s rookie pro season was no fluke.
Decathlon officials still haven’t decided if they’re taking their young charge to the Tour de France this summer, but with results like this, that drum will only beat louder as the season unfolds.
The five-day Algarve tour continues on Friday with a 19.5km time trial at Vilamoura.
Seixas is no slouch against the clock, but both Ayuso and Almeida are favorites for the win.