Paul Seixas: Tenth after team time trial – “On a bien limité la casse”

Barcelona – 04.07.2026: Paul Seixas began his Tour de France debut not with a crash but with a sober performance. In the team time trial over 19.6 kilometers through the hills of Montjuïc, Decathlon CMA CGM finished the stage in tenth place; Seixas is the best French rider after the first day in tenth overall, 39 seconds behind stage winner Visma-Lease a Bike.

The scene was clear: hot Catalan sunshine, tight turns and a finale with about 200 meters of climbing. Seixas, 19 years old, did not appear overwhelmed on his first Grand Tour day. He rode controlled in the group, took turns at the front when necessary, and avoided risky maneuvers – a sign of tactical maturity rather than youthful recklessness.

Team manager and sports directors had stated the goal before the start: limit losses and bring the team through the race intact. That assessment was confirmed by the official standings from the Tour organizers: the strong time-trial teams created the largest gaps, but Decathlon CMA CGM was able to keep the difference within acceptable limits through a united team effort.

For Seixas the sporting value is twofold: personally his first result on cycling’s biggest stage, nationally the role as the most visible young French rider in a race full of established favorites like Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar. Media and race commentary emphasized after the stage that the young Frenchman “kept his nerves” – a sober observation that carries weight in Barcelona.

From a sporting perspective the assessment remains clear: a team time trial does not yet determine the general classification, but it reveals purifications – who has the form, the tactics and the team around them. Seixas benefited from a clean line choice and an experienced team block that protected and supported him in critical sections.

The outlook is pragmatic: Seixas will be an observer in the coming flat and mountainous days, but will also have opportunities for breakaways or aggressive riding. For a start, the result from Barcelona counts as a successful premiere: no sensation, but a professional calling card at Grand Tour level.

The official Tour de France results and race reports confirmed the placing and time gaps after the stage; Seixas’ comment after the finish summed up the atmosphere: «On a bien limité la casse» – paraphrased: we limited the damage.