Cyclingflash
Decathlon CMA CGM optimistic about extending Paul Seixas contract despite UAE interest

Decathlon CMA CGM optimistic about extending Paul Seixas contract despite UAE interest

The new French cycling sensation Paul Seixas has been receiving superlatives in recent weeks, as well as interest from other teams. UAE Emirates XRG is working behind the scenes to entice the 19-year-old rider to make a move. His current team, Decathlon CMA CGM, however, will do everything to keep their golden boy longer.

Interest in the runner-up of the recent Strade Bianche was already high, but now it’s even greater. Het Laatste Nieuws reports that talks to break and extend his contract with Decathlon CMA CGM, which runs until the end of 2027, are currently on hold until after the classics season. This has also been confirmed to WielerFlits.

The best team in the world sees Seixas as the natural successor to Tadej Pogačar. Conversations with the Frenchman are “going in the right direction,” sources close to the team told WielerFlits. “I think every team wants him. He’s a very interesting rider, but he still has a contract with his current team,” said sporting director Joxéan - Matxin - Fernández about Seixas’s potential arrival at HLN.

Within the Decathlon CMA CGM camp, however, there is no reason to panic. “Honestly, I have confidence,” said team manager Dominique Serieys in an interview with cycling journalist Daniel Benson. “If Paul doesn’t want to stay, that’s his decision. That’s why I have confidence. But if he has faith in our project, then we will move forward together.”

Long term
Serieys hopes to finalize a possible new deal before the Tour de France. “But honestly, we’re not in a hurry. We’re thinking about a long-term contract because Decathlon CMA CGM’s vision extends beyond three years. It needs to be longer. Our future vision must stretch past 2030, towards 2035, and not many teams can offer that.”

“It’s a combination of a certain convincing power and a long-term commitment until 2030 or even 2035. Do I have confidence in it? Of course, why not? UAE Emirates XRG is the richest team, and I have great respect for Mauro (UAE team boss Mauro Gianetti, ed.), but they don’t call all the shots. We will sit at the table. We can count on a lot of support and we don’t play games,” Serieys concluded.