Strongest Pogačar competitor?: Paul Seixas will ride the Tour de France 2026

The Decathlon CMA CGM team has nominated Paul Seixas for the 2026 Tour de France. The Frenchman will start in Barcelona with the aim of achieving the best possible result in the overall standings. "It's my childhood dream, something I've often imagined, and now it's very close," explains Seixas in the announcement of his start in cycling's biggest race.

Decision after the Ardennes Classics

The team made the decision after the Ardennes Classics. Seixas won the Flèche Wallonne and finished second in Liège-Bastogne-Liège. "We had to take time to thoroughly analyse all the data and talk to Paul and his team," says Dominique Serieys, managing director of the team. The results since the start of the season gave the 19-year-old the confidence he needed to start in the biggest tour.

Preparation and race calendar of Paul Seixas

Before the Tour de France, Paul Seixas completes the Tour Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes (formerly Critérium du Dauphiné) in June. The French stage race serves as direct preparation for the first Grand Tour. After the Tour of France, the Grand Prix Quebec, the Grand Prix Montreal, the World Championships and the Tour of Lombardy are on the programme. "Age is neither a barrier nor an excuse," emphasises Seixas. He doesn't just want to gain experience, he wants to fight for the best possible result. All parties are aware that starting so early in the Tour de France also harbours risks. How the 19-year-old will deal with the pressure at the spectacle in France remains to be seen. Seixas has already proven that there is always a chance of a good result.