Paul Seixas rewrote cycling's record books on Saturday, the 20-year-old Frenchman launching a devastating solo attack on the Civiglio climb and riding the final 19 kilometres alone to win the Giro di Lombardia in Como — the first Monument victory of his career and the biggest result yet for French cycling's brightest young talent.
Seixas crossed the line well clear of Spain's Enric Mas, who finished second around 48 seconds back after winning the Vuelta a Espana, with Italy's Giulio Ciccone third at just over a minute in his final race for his team. The decisive move came on the punishing final ascent of Civiglio, the penultimate climb of the 239-kilometre route from Bergamo, where Seixas lifted the pace, shed Britain's Tom Pidcock and Ciccone, and then simply rode away.
A record-breaking ride
The numbers behind the victory are remarkable. At 20, Seixas becomes the youngest winner of a Monument — one of cycling's five most prestigious one-day races — since 1944, and the youngest-ever winner of the Giro di Lombardia itself. He is the first Frenchman to win any Monument since Julian Alaphilippe's 2019 Milan–San Remo triumph, and the first Frenchman to conquer the "Race of the Falling Leaves" since Thibaut Pinot in 2018.
The victory also ended the five-year reign of Tadej Pogacar at Lombardia. The Slovenian superstar, who had made the race his own since 2021, was absent after crashing out of the Vuelta a Espana two months ago, leaving the door open — and Seixas kicked it down.
Redemption after the Worlds
The win lands just two weeks after the biggest disappointment of Seixas's young career. He arrived at the World Championships among the favourites and finished a frustrated 15th, but instead of sulking, he channelled the setback into his final autumn target. Saturday was only his third career Monument appearance: he was seventh at Lombardia last year and finished runner-up behind Pogacar at Liège–Bastogne–Liège this spring, after a Tour de France debut that ended with a startling fourth place overall.
"It feels like a dream," Seixas said at the finish, describing legs he rated the best of his season and a moment to attack that he chose himself when the peloton's tempo didn't feel high enough. After the top of Civiglio, the race became a time trial against himself, with the final ascent of San Fermo della Battaglia offering no rescue for the chasers.
A peloton makes its point on safety
The race began with an unusual five-minute protest, as the peloton stood stationary at the start to highlight growing safety concerns around race vehicles — a demand led by the riders' union CPA after a series of incidents, including riders being struck by vehicles this week at Tre Valli Varesine. Once rolling, the protest gave way to a full day of aggressive racing that ended with Seixas's lone ride into Como.
What comes next
The result firmly answers the question of whether Seixas is cycling's future or its present. His Decathlon–CMA CGM team now has its first Monument victory, France has its first Monument champion of a new generation, and the 2027 season looms with the Frenchman established among the elite favourites for every major one-day race — and perhaps Grand Tours too, after that fourth place on his Tour debut.
For context on how elite sport has been rewarding young prodigies this season, read our coverage of Verstappen's Singapore sprint triumph and Cole Palmer's landmark Chelsea contract.
Key takeaways
- Paul Seixas, 20, won the 2026 Giro di Lombardia with a solo attack on the Civiglio climb, 19 kilometres from the finish in Como.
- He becomes the youngest Monument winner since 1944 and the youngest Lombardia winner in history.
- It is France's first Monument victory since Julian Alaphilippe in 2019 and first Lombardia win since Thibaut Pinot in 2018.
- The win came two weeks after a disappointing 15th place at the World Championships, and ends Tadej Pogacar's five-year Lombardia reign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Paul Seixas?
Paul Seixas is a 20-year-old French professional cyclist riding for Decathlon–CMA CGM. Widely regarded as France's brightest cycling talent in a generation, he finished fourth overall in his Tour de France debut in 2026 and has now won his first Monument, the Giro di Lombardia.
What is a Monument in cycling?
The Monuments are the five oldest, longest and most prestigious one-day races in professional cycling: Milan–San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris–Roubaix, Liège–Bastogne–Liège and the Giro di Lombardia. Winning one is among the highest honours in the sport.
How did Seixas win the Giro di Lombardia?
He attacked on the steep Civiglio climb with about 19 kilometres remaining on the 239-kilometre route from Bergamo to Como, dropping Tom Pidcock and Giulio Ciccone, then rode alone over the final kilometres to beat Enric Mas by around 48 seconds.
Why was Tadej Pogacar not in the race?
Pogacar, the five-time defending champion, missed the race after crashing at the Vuelta a Espana two months earlier, which ended his season prematurely.
