> Enter Philippe Gilbert. He actually sees a different scenario unfolding on the sterrati. His favorite? Paul Seixas, the new French prodigy. "I really believe in Paul Seixas' chances," he says decisively. "Why? Unlike Pogacar, he's already competitive and has even won twice. And not just any win: "His time in Saturday's Faun-Ardèche Classic was as good as Pogacar's on the same climb at the European Championships last year. That says a lot," Gilbert confirms his striking prediction. "Especially because Pogacar set his time at the end of the season, when he had 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers under his belt," he continues. "He was already well-oiled. Seixas does that in February. That's when you're at your best. I'd even put Seixas above Pogacar," Gilbert leaves no doubt about his prediction.