The young French phenomenon fears the consequences of the huge crowds on the legendary Alpine climb, as he fights for the podium at the Tour de France.
Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) does not hide his concern: the huge crowds expected on the ramps of Alpe d'Huez on stage 19 could turn into a real danger, just as the young French talent is playing everything to secure a place on the podium of the Tour de France .
French police closed the main road to Alpe d'Huez to vehicles early Thursday afternoon, after hundreds of thousands of fans invaded the legendary climb in cars and campers, camping en masse at the high-altitude ski resort. An unprecedented invasion, destined to last for 48 hours.
Friday's stage climbs the famous hairpin bends of Alpe d'Huez, starting from the fast valley near Gap, while on Saturday, stage 20 returns to Alpe d'Huez via the small Col de Sarenne. Two days that promise to be intense, both inside and outside the race.
"It'll be incredible, but above all, I hope I don't fall on the climb, because I think there will be a lot of spectators," Seixas told L'Equipe and other media outlets at the end of stage 18, finishing in Orcières-Merlette. "We've seen how dangerous it can be. I just hope everything goes well. After that, my legs will decide."
The most illustrious and painful precedent remains that of Vincenzo Nibali at the 2018 Tour: the Sicilian champion was hit by a spectator whose camera strap got caught in his handlebars, forcing him to retire with a fractured vertebra. It's an episode that still weighs heavily on cycling's memory. And it's not an isolated case: this year too, Richard Carapaz was seriously injured by a distracted fan, intent on waving at the camera instead of paying attention to the riders.
Despite his fears, Seixas arrived in Orcières-Merlette in the company of his rivals in the general classification. He currently sits fourth in the overall standings , 7 minutes and 11 seconds behind Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), but only 20 seconds behind del Toro and third place. The white jersey for best young rider is within reach if he can distance Isaac del Toro in the next two crucial stages.
"With the fatigue of the third week, you have to manage it. Today we rode well, we stayed together for a long time," Seixas explained. "Daan [Hoole] was really impressive. I think it was a day that took its toll on everyone's legs, but the main goal was to conserve energy. The next two days will be very tough, and that's where the Tour will be decided, at least as far as the podium is concerned. I'm happy to have had a calm day."
Sports journalist and cycling enthusiast, following professional cycling for over 10 years. Collaborates with FantaCycling to bring you the best analysis and news from the world of cycling.
The young French phenomenon fears the consequences of the huge crowds on the legendary Alpine climb, as he fights for the podium at the Tour de France.
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