Sports Director at Decathlon: Romain Bardet takes on a new role in the Seixas team

The 36-year-old Frenchman Romain Bardet is returning to his former team and taking on a leadership role within the sporting management team. Bardet will support the management team in overseeing all sporting projects, from the WorldTour squad to youth development. His responsibilities include promoting sporting performance, supporting the riders and shaping the team’s strategic direction.

A new structure for international success

Dominique Serieys, Managing Director of Decathlon Cycling Team, emphasises the significance of this appointment. Romain Bardet’s experience and knowledge of team structure are set to drive the development of the sporting project. The new role forms part of the team’s long-term structural development, through which it aims to raise its performance level and establish itself among the leading international cycling teams in the long term.

Bardet’s motivation for the management post

Romain Bardet, a two-time third-place finisher in the Tour de France, has expressed his satisfaction at returning to Decathlon CMA CGM. Even during his active career, Bardet had set his sights on moving into management roles. He aims to contribute to performance development, rider development and the overall management of the team. Bardet describes the team’s development since his departure as impressive; with strong partners, he says, the team has built on its tradition to modernise, attract top riders and compete for victories in the biggest races.

Coaching the super-talented Paul Seixas

​In his new role, Romain Bardet will also be working closely with the top French talent Paul Seixas. The rider, who is just 19 years old, is regarded as a great hope for future Grand Tour successes and is already the focus of public attention at this early stage. Bardet knows all too well from his own experience the pressure that comes with such expectations and is set to support Seixas with his expertise, both athletically and mentally. The aim is to carefully nurture the young rider and develop him into a successful stage racer in the long term.