Paul Seixas made history in July as the youngest starter at the men's Tour de France in 89 years, before delivering on his promise as the hottest prospect in the sport to finish fourth on debut . It was huge for cycling in the era of Tadej Pogačar , with a look at his potential heir to the throne, but also for France, who have been waiting more than 40 years for their next home winner in the men's Tour – not since Bernard Hinault won in 1985 has La Marseillaise rang out in Paris as the yellow jersey champion stood on the final podium.

With all that said, an immediate return to cycling's biggest race in 2027 seems incredibly likely, especially given how rapidly Seixas seems to be taking the experience from every race he starts into his next goals.…