In a dramatic finish to the 2026 cycling season, 20‑year‑old Paul Seixas of Decathlon CMA CGM delivered a breathtaking solo attack to win Il Lombardia, becoming the youngest rider ever to conquer the famed ‘Race of the Falling Leaves.’ With just 18 km to go, Seixas launched a decisive move on the steep Civiglio climb, breaking clear of the favourites and holding on for a commanding 49‑second victory over runner‑up Enric Mas.

Seixas had team support throughout the race, but his timing was flawless. He waited for the right moment, launched decisively, and powered away despite a relentless chase behind. Vuelta winner Enric Mas pursued furiously, dropping Giulio Ciccone who rounded out the podium in third.

The win caps a breakout year for Seixas, who had shown promise but had not yet delivered on this scale. At just 20, claiming a Monument—cycling’s most prestigious one-day races—places him among the sport’s rising stars and marks a milestone both personally and for his team.

In a striking backdrop to the victory, riders delayed the race start in protest over safety conditions, underscoring ongoing concerns within the peloton. After the protest was resolved, the race proceeded, and Seixas seized his moment amid the heightened drama.

Seixas now sets his sights beyond road success—he’s slated to compete in the Roc d’Azur mountain bike race just one day after this monumental win. His versatility across disciplines adds an intriguing new dimension to his rapidly ascendant career.