Tour de France: These eight riders will accompany Paul Seixas on his debut

Barcelona – 06.07.2026: Paul Seixas will start his first Tour de France as planned. His team Decathlon CMA CGM confirmed on June 29 the eight-man selection that will accompany the 19-year-old through three weeks. The nomination followed medical checks and form tests, after earlier health setbacks had left some positions open. Seixas himself injured his arms and hands in a crash in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes race, but carried out recon rides in the mountains and is considered fit to start according to the team.

In the mountains the debutant receives a clearly structured framework. Tiesj Benoot, Aurélien Paret-Peintre, Nicolas Prodhomme and Matthew Riccitello are slated as climbing support. Benoot brings Grand Tour experience and returns after an injury break. Paret-Peintre will be listed as the on-road captain and is expected to take charge in hectic race situations. Prodhomme and Riccitello are intended for tempo work on long climbs and for positioning battles before key passes.

For the flat stages the team management has expanded its roster at short notice: with the Dutchman Olav Kooij a proven sprinter joins the squad, who was able to start his season late after a viral infection and has shown form recently. His nomination shifts the balance of power in favor of additional chances in bunch sprints. Kooij is supported by Cees Bol as a classic lead-out rider, while Daan Hoole brings his time trial skills and strength in the echelon. Bol is also expected to take responsibility in the opening stage; the team anticipates changing priorities between the sprint train and GC protection early in the race.

The sporting management emphasizes a dual approach: Seixas should be supported in the general classification as long as possible without giving up stage options. Four sports directors accompany the squad and adjust daily plans to route profile, weather and race dynamics. From the team’s perspective Kooij’s presence increases tactical flexibility, while the mountain quartet should shield the young rider in the high mountain sections.

The confirmed eight corresponds to the official start lists from the organizers. In French cycling the mix of experienced riders and young talents is considered a pragmatic attempt to secure the debut of the prospect while also targeting stages. Whether the late adjustments pay off will become apparent already in the first week when crosswinds, a team time trial and the first climbs sort the field.