'If Paul Seixas isn't ready for the Tour de France, then who is?’ – Oliver Naesen backs19-year-old teammate for debut this summer

Paul Seixas has rapidly emerged as one of cycling’s brightest young talents, sparking debate over whether he is ready to make his Tour de France debut this summer. The 19-year-old French rider has already claimed seven victories in 2026, including a dominant performance at Itzulia Basque Country and a recent win at La Flèche Wallonne. His breakthrough season has positioned him as a potential contender in the upcoming Tour, with expectations building ahead of the prestigious race starting in Barcelona. Oliver Naesen, a seasoned rider and road captain for Decathlon CMA CGM, has publicly endorsed Seixas’s readiness for the Tour de France. Naesen argues that if Seixas is not prepared for the Tour, then few others would be, emphasising the young rider’s maturity and capability despite his youth. He dismisses the notion that Seixas should first gain Grand Tour experience at the Vuelta a España, suggesting that competing at the Tour could accelerate his development and raise his profile more effectively. The question of whether to fast-track Seixas to the Tour de France remains contentious within the cycling community. While some, including veteran Sean Kelly, have advised caution and patience, Naesen believes the Tour presents the best opportunity for Seixas to prove himself on the world’s biggest stage. He envisions a scenario where Seixas could secure a stage win and a top-ten general classification finish, outcomes that would cement his status as a rising star and justify early exposure to the Tour’s demands. Seixas’s potential participation in the Tour carries significant implications for French cycling, which has not seen a homegrown male winner since Bernard Hinault in 1985. His performances this season have already drawn comparisons to the greats, and a strong showing at the Tour would energise fans and sponsors alike. As the cycling world watches closely, the decision on whether to include Seixas in the Tour squad will be a defining moment in his burgeoning career and could shape the trajectory of French cycling’s future.