37,000m of elevation gain in two weeks – How super talent Paul Seixas is ramping up his training ahead of highly anticipated Tour de France debut

Nineteen-year-old French cycling prodigy Paul Seixas is intensifying his training ahead of his highly anticipated debut at the Tour de France. Over the past two weeks, Seixas has completed nearly 1,500 kilometres and amassed more than 37,000 metres of elevation gain during a high-altitude training camp in Spain’s Sierra Nevada. This rigorous preparation follows his recent standout performances, including pushing reigning champion Tadej Pogačar to the limit at Liège-Bastogne-Liège and strong showings in other prestigious races. Seixas has been training alongside several of his Decathlon CMA CGM teammates, undertaking a demanding schedule that features both long endurance rides and significant climbing efforts. His training sessions have ranged from shorter rides of around 25 kilometres to brutal seven-hour days covering over 230 kilometres with more than 5,000 metres of elevation gain. Despite his youth, Seixas’ workload and professionalism mirror those of elite senior riders, underscoring his rapid development and readiness to compete at the highest level. Having already achieved remarkable results in his second year on the WorldTour, including victories at the Volta ao Algarve, Itzulia Basque Country, and La Flèche Wallonne, Seixas is poised to make a significant impact at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. While some of the Tour de France’s main contenders are absent from this preparatory race, Seixas will face strong competition from riders such as Isaac del Toro, João Almeida, and Juan Ayuso. His dominant performance last year in the Dauphiné and his all-round capabilities position him as a leading favourite in the upcoming one-week event. Seixas’ Tour de France debut will be historic, as he is set to become the youngest rider to start the race in 89 years. The French media and public have high expectations, given the nation’s long wait for a new homegrown champion. With a contract at Decathlon CMA CGM until 2027, Seixas is already attracting interest from the world’s biggest teams. A strong showing at the Tour could accelerate his career trajectory and potentially trigger lucrative offers from rival squads eager to secure one of cycling’s brightest young talents. As the countdown to the Tour de France continues, all eyes remain on Seixas as he finalises his preparation. His blend of youthful talent, disciplined training, and impressive race results mark him as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can fulfil the lofty expectations placed upon him and establish himself among the sport’s elite.