Tour de France: These eight riders will support Paul Seixas in his debut

Barcelona – 06/07/2026: As planned, Paul Seixas will take part in his first Tour de France. His team Decathlon CMA CGM confirmed the eight-man selection on June 29 that will support the 19-year-old for three weeks. The nomination came after medical checks and form tests, after previous health problems had left several places open. Seixas injured his arms and hands in a crash at the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tour, but still carried out course reconnaissance in the mountains and is considered ready to start by the team.

In the mountains, the debutant will receive a clearly structured support system. Tiesj Benoot, Aurélien Paret-Peintre, Nicolas Prodhomme and Matthew Riccitello have been appointed as climbing support. Benoot brings Grand Tour experience and returns after an injury break. Paret-Peintre is regarded as the road captain and is expected to coordinate matters in hectic race situations. Prodhomme and Riccitello are responsible for pacing on long climbs and for position battles before key sections.

For the flat stages, team management adjusted its approach at short notice: with Dutchman Olav Kooij, it adds an out-and-out sprinter to the selection, who was able to start his season late after a viral infection and recently showed form. His selection shifts the balance of power in favor of additional opportunities in mass sprints. Kooij will be supported by Cees Bol as a classic lead-out rider, while Daan Hoole contributes his qualities in time trials and echelons. Bol must also take responsibility in the opening test; the team expects changing priorities between the sprint train and GC protection in the early phase of the race.

Sporting management emphasizes a dual approach: Seixas is to be supported in the general classification for as long as possible, without giving up stage options. Four sporting directors will accompany the team and adapt daily plans to the course profile, weather conditions and race dynamics. From the team’s perspective, Kooij’s presence increases tactical flexibility, while the quartet of climbers is expected to protect the young rider in the high-mountain stages.

The confirmed eight matches the organizer’s official start lists. In French cycling, the mix of experienced riders and young talents is seen as a pragmatic attempt to ensure the prospect’s debut while also targeting stages. Whether the short-term adjustments pay off will become apparent as early as the first week of racing, when crosswinds, a team time trial and the first climbs sort out the peloton.