Decathlon CMA CGM has built a team around Seixas, but not everyone is happy: 'I didn’t find my footing in this environment'

Decathlon CMA CGM has more to spend, but never loses sight of young homegrown talent. Paul Seixas is, of course, an extreme example of the talent emerging from France, but top prospects like Léo Bisiaux, Antoine L'Hote, Noa Isidore, and cyclocross sensation Aubin Sparfel are also on the roster for 2027.

Add to that the recruitment of international talent and a few new signings, and you’ll have a cycling team that won 33 times already this year. This puts the French team in fourth place in the UCI Team Rankings at the end of the season, behind major players UAE Emirates-XRG, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, and Visma | Lease a Bike. Lidl-Trek was left well behind.

You’d think that every French talent would be perfectly at home with the new powerhouse in cycling, but that’s not the case for everyone. After three seasons with the French team, Valentin Martinet is closing the door behind him. He rode for the junior team in 2024 and 2025 and competed for the Under-23 development team in 2026. That wasn’t a resounding success.

Martinet said he was no longer happy at Decathlon. “I made my decision fairly early in the season, and I think everyone saw it coming. I’m ending my time with Decathlon CMA CGM,” said the sprinter. “I didn’t find my footing in this environment; I wasn’t happy, and the sport was no longer a place where I could enjoy myself.”

Nevertheless, Martinet was considered a talented rider, with plenty of stamina and the ability to tackle hills. Still, he made up his mind. “I’ll always be grateful for the people I’ve met, the trips I’ve taken, and the races I’ve been able to compete in. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this chapter of my life.”

It is not known whether Martinet will continue his career as a cyclist.