Paul Seixas clear about future at Decathlon CMA CGM: ‘I’m seizing my chance here’

Paul Seixas made a phenomenal impression at the Tour de France and finished fourth in the overall standings. The French rider from Decathlon CMA CGM is only nineteen, but he’s already one of the best cyclists in the world. Of course, that comes with pressure, but also transfer rumors. Just about every major team is lining up for him, but he’s finally provided some clarity.

Ever since his junior days, Seixas has been regarded as one of the greatest cycling talents of his generation. He more than lived up to that reputation in his first two years as a pro: this year, he won the Tour of the Basque Country and the Flèche Wallonne. He was then selected by the French team to compete in the Tour de France, where, as team leader, he finished just outside the top three.

Every day, the press lined up to interview the youngster. He was under enormous pressure. “I don’t think about that,” he told Thijs Zonneveld on the podcast In de Waaier during the Etten-Leur pro race. “I’m seizing my chance here to compete with the best. I saw them on TV a few years ago, and now I’m racing against them: it was a dream to become a pro and compete against guys like this. Being at that level and racing at the front feels great. There’s no pressure, just fun.”

He therefore doesn’t see all the attention from the French public as pressure or a negative influence. “I focus on the positive. Everyone in France is really happy when I’m racing at the front—or at least I hope so,” Seixas laughs. “People cheer for me, and I’m really happy they do. I just enjoy racing at the front, so everyone wins.”

Given his remarkable performances at such a young age, there is naturally a lot of interest in Seixas. And from just about every team: UAE Team Emirates-XRG is mentioned as a potential destination almost every week, but Visma | Lease a Bike, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, and Pinarello - Q36.5 would also be more than happy to sign the Frenchman.

However, Decathlon CMA CGM is doing everything it can to keep its star rider for longer. Even French President Emmanuel Macron is said to be getting involved in the process and trying to keep Seixas in French service. In a conversation with Zonneveld, he clarified the situation regarding the upcoming season. Who will he be racing for? “For Decathlon. I’ve signed through 2027. It’s a sure thing for me.” So be it.