Roubaix Wrap-up, Seixas' €8M Question & Amstel Gold | THEMOVE+

The episode begins with a reflective wrap-up of the thrilling 2026 Paris-Roubaix, where Wout van Aert claimed his first cobbled classic victory, ending Tadej Pogacar's dominance and sparking widespread celebration in Belgium. Hosts Spencer Martin and Johan Bernil analyze the race's drama, including Pogacar’s late attack, Van Aert’s tactical brilliance, and the widespread tire issues caused by low pressure and fast-rolling tires—debunking the myth of frequent punctures. They discuss the physical toll of Roubaix, explaining why recovery is so difficult and why it rarely leads to strong performances in subsequent races like Amstel Gold. The conversation shifts to the Tour of the Basque Country, where Portuguese rider Paul Seixas emerged as a breakout star, winning the GC and drawing massive attention for his potential. The hosts speculate on Seixas’ future, with rumors of a €8 million annual salary offer from UAE Team Emirates, sparking debate over whether such a deal is justified given his youth and marketability. They also examine Decathlon’s challenges in retaining top talent due to French tax laws and the team’s strategic shift toward internationalization. Finally, they preview the upcoming Amstel Gold Race, highlighting Remco Evenepoel as the favorite, though cautioning that the race’s unpredictable, hilly terrain and short climbs make it accessible to a wide range of riders, with strong contenders including Quinn Simmons, Mateo Jorgensen, and breakout performers Benoit Cosnefra and Roman Gregoire.