Paul Seixas targets overall victory at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Vizille – 07.06.2026: Young rider Paul Seixas, 19, is at the start of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, which takes place from June 7 to 14, 2026. After a successful spring start, including victories at the Flèche Wallonne and the Tour du Pays Basque, the young French talent is now aiming for the overall title in this challenging stage race.

Seixas, who rides for Decathlon-CMA CGM, has prepared thoroughly for this competition. A three-week high-altitude training camp in the Sierra Nevada helped him improve his fitness. Despite his young age, he is considered one of the leading contenders, especially in the absence of major riders such as Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard.

The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes route consists of eight stages covering a total of 1,208 km. The mountain stages are particularly difficult, including finishes at Grand Colombier and the final stage at Plateau de Solaison. These challenges give Seixas the opportunity to demonstrate his climbing skills and prepare for the Tour de France.

Seixas’s teammates, including Stefan Bisseger and Daan Hoole, will support him on the flatter stages, while Léo Bisiaux, Aurélien Paret-Peintre, Matthew Riccitello and Nicolas Prodhomme will work for him in the mountains. This lineup could be an indication of the squad for the Tour de France in July.

Although Seixas is considered a leading contender, it remains to be seen how he will perform against strong rivals such as Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates) and Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek). Both have delivered impressive performances in the past and could be formidable opponents for the overall title.

The first stages of the race will be crucial in assessing the form of Seixas and his rivals. A good start could give him the confidence he needs for the more demanding mountain stages. Spectators will be waiting to see whether the young French rider can turn his ambitions into reality.

The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is not only a test for Seixas but also important preparation for the Tour de France, which begins on July 4, 2026, in Barcelona. A strong performance in this race could significantly increase his chances of achieving a high placing at the Tour de France.

The coming days will show whether Seixas can live up to his reputation and win the overall title at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. With this talent, it could be the first step toward a successful career in cycling.