Paul Seixas, Contending for Overall Victory at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Vizier – June 7, 2026: 19-year-old Paul Seixas will participate in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes taking place from June 7 to 14, 2026. This French prospect, who had a successful spring season including wins in Flèche Wallonne and Tour de Pays Basque, aims for the overall victory in this challenging stage race.

Seixas, who rides for the Decathlon-CMA CGM team, has prepared intensively for this race. He enhanced his condition through a three-week high-altitude training camp in the Sierra Nevada. Despite his young age and the absence of top-level riders such as Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, he is considered one of the main favorites for the victory.

The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes route consists of 8 stages covering a total distance of 1,208 kilometers. The mountainous stages, particularly the summit finish at Grand Colombier and the final stage on the Plateau de Solaison, are especially demanding. These challenges offer Seixas the opportunity to prove his climbing ability and prepare for the Tour de France.

Seixas’ teammates Stefan Bissegger and Dan Hoole will support him on the flat sections, while Leo Visia, Aurélien Paret-Peintre, Matthew Riccitello, and Nicolas Prodom will assist him in the mountain stages. This team composition might also serve as a preview for the Tour de France team in July.

Although Seixas is considered a strong favorite, it remains to be seen how well he will contend with formidable rivals such as Isaac del Toro from UAE Team Emirates and Juan Ayuso from Lidl-Trek. Both riders have previously delivered impressive performances and could be serious contenders for the overall win.

The initial stages of the race will be crucial in assessing the condition of Seixas and his rivals. A good start can provide the confidence needed to confront the tough mountain sections. Spectators will watch eagerly to see if this young French rider can realize his ambitions.

The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is more than a simple test for Seixas; it is an important step in preparation for the Tour de France starting July 4, 2026, in Barcelona. A strong result in this race would substantially increase his chances of a high ranking in the Tour de France.

Over the next few days, it will become clear whether Seixas can display the skills befitting his reputation and claim the overall victory at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. For this promising French athlete, the race could be the first step toward a successful career in the world of cycling.