Paul Seixas could provide the toughest challenge yet to Tadej Pogacar as the world champion targets a fourth victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday.

Pogacar has dominated recent editions of La Doyenne with long-range attacks, typically launching his decisive move on the Côte de la Redoute around 35 kilometers from the finish.

But this year, the Slovenian may not be alone for long.

Seixas, just 19, has rapidly closed the gap to the sport’s biggest star and could be the one rider capable of holding his wheel.

At Strade Bianche earlier this season, Seixas briefly matched Pogacar’s pace on the gravel before finishing an impressive second.

Since then, the French talent has surged forward, winning Itzulia Basque Country and La Flèche Wallonne in a breakout run of form.

"This question is crazy. We're talking about maybe the best rider of all time," Seixas said when asked about beating Pogacar.

"Right now, I don't think that I have the level to beat him."

Liège-Bastogne-Liège Could Hinge On La Redoute

Pogacar is widely expected to attack on the Côte de la Redoute, the same climb where Remco Evenepoel built his victories in 2022 and 2023.

Evenepoel returns in strong one-day form after finishing third at the Tour of Flanders and winning Amstel Gold Race last weekend.

If he can limit losses on the climb, his time-trial strength could bring him back into contention on the flatter roads to the finish.

Beyond the main contenders, riders such as Mattias Skjelmose, Tom Pidcock, Kevin Vauquelin and Romain Grégoire could capitalize if the favorites falter.

But the spotlight remains on the emerging duel between Pogacar and Seixas, a matchup that could define the next era of one-day racing.