'I have something to tell you…' Paul Seixas confirms he will ride the 2026 Tour de France

Paul Seixas has confirmed that he will compete in the 2026 Tour de France, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. The 19-year-old French rider from Decathlon CMA CGM shared the news in a heartfelt video revealing the moment he told his grandparents, highlighting the personal importance of the announcement. Seixas is not approaching the Tour merely for experience; rather, he intends to contend seriously against established stars like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard in his Grand Tour debut. Seixas’s decision follows a remarkable start to the season, including victories at the Itzulia Basque Country and La Flèche Wallonne, as well as strong performances against Pogačar in Strade Bianche and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. His team, Decathlon CMA CGM, had delayed confirming his participation until after the spring classics to ensure he was fully prepared for the demands of a three-week race. Team manager Dominique Serieys emphasised that the choice was made after careful analysis of Seixas’s form and discussions with the rider, acknowledging his potential to be among the world’s best. The young rider expressed his excitement and ambition, stressing that age would not be a barrier to his goals. He plans to use the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in June as a key preparation event before tackling the Tour de France. Seixas’s approach is focused on achieving a strong overall classification rather than simply gaining experience, signalling his intent to make an immediate impact on cycling’s biggest stage. Looking beyond the Tour, Decathlon CMA CGM has outlined a busy race schedule for Seixas, including the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, the UCI Road World Championships, and Il Lombardia. This calendar reflects the team’s confidence in his endurance and versatility as he continues to develop. Seixas’s entry into the Tour de France at such a young age adds a compelling narrative to the 2026 edition, with fans and commentators eager to see how he fares against the sport’s elite.