Paul Seixas, 19, Becomes Youngest La Fleche Wallonne Winner in 90-Year History
French cyclist Paul Seixas won the La Fleche Wallonne race in Belgium on Wednesday at age 19, making him the youngest winner in the race's 90-year history. He beat Switzerland's Mauro Schmid and Britain's Ben Tulett in his first time racing the event.
Paul Seixas made cycling history Wednesday by winning La Fleche Wallonne at just 19 years and 210 days old. The French teenager became the youngest winner of the Belgian one-day classic in its nine decades of racing.
Seixas, who rides for Decathlon CMA CGM, timed his attack perfectly on the steep finish. He waited until the final 200 meters to pull away from his competitors, beating Switzerland's Mauro Schmid and Britain's Ben Tulett.
The victory came in Seixas's first attempt at the race. He broke the previous record held by Belgian rider Philemon De Meersman, who won in 1936 at 21 years and 150 days old.
"Last year I was watching on television, now I just won this race," Seixas said after his victory. La Fleche Wallonne is one of cycling's most prestigious one-day races, known for its challenging finish in the Belgian city of Huy.
This shows how young athletes are breaking into elite sports earlier than ever. Seixas went from watching the race on TV last year to winning it, inspiring other young athletes who dream of competing at the highest levels.
Seixas will likely compete in more major cycling races this season as he builds on this breakthrough victory.
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