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Paul Seixas (Decathlon-CMA CGM) continued his steady, consistent and impressive fight for the Tour de France podium on the stage 16 time trial, gaining significant time on Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) and pulling back five seconds on Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) appear secure in the race lead and second overall, but Seixas is in battle for the final podium spot, which will only be decided in the final mountain stages of this year's race.
Del Toro remains third overall after the time trial, 6:51 down on his team leader Pogacar, but Seixas is at 7:11, now only 20 seconds down on the Mexican. Those two will fight for the best young rider's white jersey, with perhaps even time bonuses and Pogačar's support for Del Toro having an impact.
When he crossed the finish line, Seixas asked immediately about his time gap on Ayuso. He was happy to know he gained 1:06 on the Lidl-Trek rider. Ayuso is now 2:11 behind the French teenager.
Like most riders, Seixas had mixed emotions post-stage. He was satisfied with his ride but saddened and concerned about Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) after he crashed out on a late corner during the time trial. Seixas was the first rider to reach the point of the crash and saw Lipowitz on the ground holding his shoulder.
"The course was really good. The downhill was maybe a bit dangerous on a TT bike. I think we all came out of it pretty well," Seixas told French television before quickly heading to the Decathlon team bus to begin his recovery.
"There weren't any crashes. Well, apart from Lipowitz, but that wasn't on the downhill. It's a real shame he was forced to leave the race; it's yet another great rider who has to leave the race. It's a sad moment.
"But you have to keep going. Today was quite a hard day for me. I did my best and in the end, I'm where I'm supposed to be."
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