.
.
.
#PaulSeixas #Decathlon_CMA_CGM #TourDeFrance #Criterium #IlLombardia #FlecheWallonne #FutureTeam #RisingStar #TeamFit #ProCycling
Source link
Paul Seixas has enjoyed a transformative 2026 season, rising from zero professional victories to eight wins, including prestigious one-day classics Il Lombardia and Flèche Wallonne. His crowning achievement came at the Tour de France, where at just 19 years old he finished fourth overall–the youngest rider to place in the top five in 89 years. Adding three stage wins and the general classification title at Itzulia Basque Country, Seixas announced himself as one of the sport’s most promising young talents. The breakthrough has naturally attracted significant interest from other WorldTour squads, with reports linking moves to UAE Emirates-XRG, Visma-Lease a Bike, and Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling, all of whom were keen to secure his services despite him having one year remaining on his current deal with Decathlon CMA CGM.
Determined to retain their rising star, Decathlon has gone to considerable lengths to keep Seixas on board. The French squad recently relocated its base to Switzerland specifically to reduce social security contributions and tax burdens, a budgetary move that would allow them to substantially raise his salary and build an even stronger support roster. While Seixas has a year left on his contract, the club’s proactive measures underscore their commitment, even as the question of where he will race beyond 2027 remains very much open. Seixas himself has asked to keep the future out of mind for now, telling l’Equipe that he is on vacation and prefers not to discuss contract details, fearing it would “drive me crazy.” He intends to rest and reassess later, believing that clarity will come when he turns his attention back to the sport.
When asked what he truly wants from a future team–beyond salary–Seixas’s answer is striking in its simplicity. He smiles and says he could be given “the moon,” but quickly clarifies that the most important factor is a feeling of alignment. He wants to be “in line with this team, with people I appreciate.” For Seixas, the human and cultural fit outweighs pure financial incentive; he views a cohesive, appreciative environment as the foundation for sustained success. This maturity reflects a rider who has grown up quickly, understanding that while talk of a “sequel” is normal and even flattering, it is ultimately his performance that will dictate his next chapter.
Looking ahead, Seixas knows that another standout season in 2027 could dramatically reshape his options, making contract negotiations far more flexible. He has not decided where he will go after that point, nor has he ruled anything out, but he is in no rush to force the decision. By prioritizing rest now and letting his results speak for themselves, he aims to enter future conversations from a position of strength rather than pressure. In the meantime, his focus remains on enjoying the moment, appreciating the trust his current team has placed in him, and continuing to develop the feel for the sport that has already carried him to Grand Tour contention at an age when most riders are still finding their footing today.
