Sean Kelly's Classics column: Just like Pogačar, Paul Seixas has the whole package, but he shouldn't ride the Tour this summer

Cycling legend Sean Kelly has offered his seasoned perspective on the recent Classics, notably praising Tadej Pogačar's dominant fourth Liège-Bastogne-Liège victory and Demi Vollering's formidable climbing prowess. Kelly also highlighted French junior talent Paul Seixas, assessing his "whole package" potential but cautioned against a premature Tour de France debut this summer, suggesting a more measured progression for the young rider.

Kelly's insights carry significant weight, given his own illustrious career which included two Liège-Bastogne-Liège titles and a formidable reputation as a Classics specialist. His assessment of Pogačar underscores the Slovenian's current unparalleled form, while his nod to Vollering reinforces her status as the peloton's premier climber. The advice regarding Seixas reflects a common concern within the sport about managing prodigious young talent, preventing burnout, and ensuring long-term development rather than immediate, potentially damaging, exposure.

Kelly, ever the pragmatist, understands that while talent like Seixas's is rare, the road to sustained greatness is paved with patience, not just raw power.