Great hope of French cycling, Paul Seixas is totally dubbed by a notable figure in his sport.
At 76 years old, Daniel Mangeas has known practically everything in cycling. It is part of the memory of this sport, and has seen people pass by since the last time a Frenchman won the Tour de France, in 1986.
The legendary speaker, who is recovering from a stroke suffered at the start of the year, spoke
for Cyclism’Actu the very promising debut of Paul Seixas, the new nugget of French cycling. A young boy he knows well.
“I met him very young, at the Polynormande Cadets, where he wore the French champion jersey. He was very friendly, really adorable. When we see the course he then achieved, with the world championships, the European championships, he left his mark. confides Daniel Mangeas.
“At only 19 years old, what he has accomplished is phenomenal, continues the Norman. He knows he is expected, but he has managed to manage it. He won the Tour de l’Avenir, he wanted this victory. Even after a difficult day, he went looking for her. He has an exceptional temperament and he seems to be in control of his career very well, which is fundamental in increasingly stressful cycling. »
Paul Seixas the new Bernard Hinault?
With Paul Seixas, expectations are immense. The Decathlon-AG2R rider has a very big future, and is not afraid to announce that he is aiming for victory in the Tour de France, where he would succeed Bernard Hinault on the list of winners. Are there any similarities between him and the “Badger”?
“Clearly,” replies Daniel Mangeas. Bernard Hinault, we felt him coming. I had seen him very young and he had already shown great things. We felt it coming. Bernard Hinault had a very strong character, capable of moving mountains. Paul Seixas seems calmer, more introverted perhaps, or simply more in control of himself. But I think they follow the same line: that of riders who want to win the Tour de France. Bernard Hinault did it, and Paul Seixas seems to me entirely capable of achieving it one day. »
