After an outstanding debut season as a pro, France eagerly awaits the further development of Paul Seixas. The only 19-year-old climber is now in full preparation for the new cycling season. He now also knows what to expect for his first race months of 2026.
French cycling fans have long yearned for a compatriot who can follow Bernard Hinault as Tour de France winner. With the 19-year-old top talent Paul Seixas, a potential candidate now seems to have emerged. After a highly successful debut season at the highest level, the winner of the recent Tour de l'Avenir hopes to carry the good momentum into 2026.
The cycling sensation, who will be riding for Decathlon CMA CGM from next year, will first head to the Sierra Nevada for a training camp lasting more than two weeks. In southern Spain, he will prepare for his first race of 2026. Seixas will start the new cycling season on Portuguese soil with the Volta ao Algarve (February 18-22).
Seixas will then return to his home country France for the Faun-Ardèche Classic (February 28). In March, the Frenchman will contest only one race, but this is no ordinary event: the promising stage racer will make his debut in Strade Bianche (March 7).
Seixas drafting behind Nicolas Prodhomme during the Tour of the Alps - photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
After his baptism by fire on the Tuscan gravel roads, Seixas will calmly build up to a tough block of races, including the Tour of the Basque Country (April 6-11), La Flèche Wallonne (April 22), and Liège-Bastogne-Liège (April 26). The youngster has not previously started these events as a pro.
"The idea is to build momentum in the first two races, then fully focus on WorldTour races. These are important moments for me to test myself at the highest level. My goals are clear: to raise my arms in victory and confirm my progress by giving everything on the bike."
Grand Tour
There is still no clarity regarding his further schedule for 2026 and whether he will contest his first Grand Tour next year. Decathlon CMA CGM possibly plans to take him to the Tour next year, but Seixas himself preaches patience.
"The Tour de France is my biggest dream. It is also the most important race for me, but you have to distinguish between dreams and reality,” he told L’Équipe. "And the reality is that you have to stay grounded. We are considering a Grand Tour, but I don't yet know which one I will race."
Paul Seixas| Race | Date |
|---|---|
 Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta | 18 Feb - 22 Feb |
| Faun-Ardèche Classic | 28 Feb |
 Strade Bianche | 7 Mar |
 Itzulia Basque Country | 6 Apr - 11 Apr |
 La Flèche Wallonne | 22 Apr |
| Liège-Bastogne-Liège | 26 Apr |
