'It's a great dream to really be able to compete against Tadej Pogačar' – Paul Seixas takes another step towards his man-made destiny at Il Lombardia

Before Il Lombardia , the last time we heard Paul Seixas speak after a race, he was putting together some of the most extraordinary words we've heard all season. "It's shameful what I did today. I am disappointed but it's what I deserve. My teammates deserve better than a leader like me." Yes, a recently-turned 20-year-old right there, berating himself for not fighting for the medals at a World Championship – an elite Worlds, his first.