Paul Seixas: “The Tour de France is another dimension” – confident performance before the Grand Départ in Barcelona

Barcelona – 02.07.2026: Paul Seixas held his first major press conference in Barcelona as the designated leader of Decathlon CMA CGM – and summed up the force of the Tour de France. “Another dimension,” the 19-year-old Frenchman called the step into the Grande Boucle. The rush in the mixed zone, the glaring lights, the many questions from French, Spanish and international newsrooms: for Seixas the Grand Départ is a trial by fire – and at the same time confirmation that the team trusts him to play a role in the general classification over three weeks.
Sporting-wise Decathlon CMA CGM is pursuing a dual strategy: Olav Kooij is the established sprinter for flat stages, while Seixas receives backing for the more demanding days. That requires clear priorities in the race: protection for Kooij in bunch sprints, solid support for Seixas in hilly finales and in the mountains. Internally the eight riders were put together so that helpers for high mountains and robust riders for crosswinds and positioning battles are available. Early time losses should be avoided, breakaway groups controlled and equipment changes organized smoothly.
Seixas appeared calm, almost taciturn, in front of the cameras – a debutant who does not need big words. He outlined a conservative approach: ride attentively, avoid crashes, conserve energy in the early days and use opportunities selectively. Comparisons with past young stars are natural, especially since experienced observers like Miguel Indurain have recently praised his attributes; the environment, however, is trying to temper expectations and emphasize the development path.
The immediate preparation was also a topic. After reports of a recent crash, team sources said Seixas completed his training blocks in the Alps in an orderly fashion. Participation is out of the question, his ability to race is given – an important piece of news ahead of the tight city-center circuits and the nervous positioning battles at the Tour opener.
Barcelona provides the backdrop: team presentation in the evening, protocol appointments, the first route checks. For Decathlon CMA CGM a mission begins with two measurable goals: stage successes in the sprints and a reliable development curve for their young captain. Seixas knows that continuity will be more important than an early exclamation mark. The plan: take risks only where the topography fits, show presence on climbs, remain steady in the time trial and strike in the final third of the Tour. The balance will be drawn in Paris on 26.07.2026 – until then discipline, coordination and a cool head count.