How Gloves Saved Paul Seixas After High-Speed Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Crash
Paul Seixas, a 19-year-old rising talent in professional cycling, successfully completed stage 7 of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes on Saturday despite a high-speed crash that left him bloodied and nearly four minutes behind the peloton. According to Seixas, his decision to wear protective gloves—a departure from the growing trend of racing with bare hands—was the critical factor that prevented more severe injuries and allowed him to remain in the competition.
Did You Know? Paul Seixas, who is slated to make his Grand Tour debut in the Tour de France this July, has already secured seven wins this year, including the overall title at Itzulia Basque Country and a victory at La Flèche Wallonne.
The Mechanics of the Crash
The incident occurred approximately 30km into the 133.6km race toward the summit of le Grand Colombier. Seixas reported that he misjudged a turn while attempting to pass on the outside at a speed of roughly 70 km/h. His bike slipped after his wheel hit gravel in a ditch, sending him sliding across the asphalt for 20 to 30 meters.
“I made a stupid mistake on my part,” Seixas told Cycling Pro Net. He apologized to fellow riders for the potential hazard caused by the crash. Despite sustaining visible abrasions on his arm and jersey, the rider emphasized that the impact on his hands could have been debilitating had he not been wearing protective gear.
The Role of Protective Equipment
While stars like Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel have popularized the “mittless” approach to save weight, Seixas argues that gloves remain essential for safety. After the crash, he struggled to grip his handlebars, which caused immediate strain on his back. He noted that the gloves were destroyed in the slide, which he credits with sparing his hands from more severe damage that would have forced his withdrawal from the race.
Expert Insight: The divergence in equipment strategy highlights a recurring tension in professional cycling between marginal gains—such as weight reduction through removing gloves—and the reality of high-speed safety. For a young rider like Seixas, the ability to maintain hand-to-bar contact is not just a safety measure but a physiological necessity for managing the physical strain of a long-distance chase.
Current Standings and Future Outlook
The energy expended during a near 70km chase to rejoin the peloton weakened Seixas on the final climb, causing him to lose time. He currently sits 1:54 behind race leader Luke Tuckwell of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) and stage 7 winner Isaac Del Toro also remain ahead of him in the general classification.
Seixas plans to start the final day of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, provided his recovery allows. He attributed his ability to stay in the race to the support of his Decathlon CMA CGM teammates, who helped him close the gap after the crash. His immediate focus is to assist his team during the final stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Paul Seixas to crash during stage 7?
Seixas stated he misjudged a turn, entered it too fast, and lost control after his wheel hit gravel in a ditch while traveling at approximately 70 km/h.
How did his clothing choice affect his race result?
Seixas stated that wearing gloves protected his hands during the 20 to 30-meter slide, allowing him to continue gripping the handlebars and remain in the race despite being injured.
What is the current status of Seixas in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
Following his crash and the subsequent chase, Seixas is 1:54 behind the overall leader, Luke Tuckwell, and intends to participate in the final stage to support his team.
Will the physical toll of the stage 7 crash prevent Seixas from performing at his usual level in the final day of racing?