Could Romain Bardet guide Paul Seixas? - Retired star reportedly set for Decathlon CMA CGM return in new role

Paul Seixas could soon have the perfect mentor in Romain Bardet as it has emerged that retired ex-pro could be on his way to Decathlon CMA CGM in a management role and to help develop the 19-year-old sensation.

Riding for the French team for nine years during their spell as AG2R La Mondiale, Bardet carved out many of the most successful years of his career at the team, but would return to a new challenge and structure centred around the new star of French cycling.

Seixas' incredible rise has saw him become the team's leader while still a teenager and in his second year as a professional. He leads the team in the Tour de France next month as he arrives at his first grand tour.

L'Équipe reports that Bardet is set to rejoin his former team, but in a new role of management with a specific focus on mentoring and guiding young star Seixas. His exact role within the sporting structure is not yet clear, the team have not officially confirmed Bardet's return.

Seixas himself endured a turbulent week at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, with a stage 7 crash seeing him admirably recover to return to the front of affairs before his injuries and effort made cause him to lose some time.

He abandoned the race the following day during the eighth stage due to his injuries. The team later confirmed that all is well, and his Tour preparations have not been majorly disrupted.

Bardet knows a thing or two about carrying the burden of hope and expectations from the French public. A talented climber, Bardet finished second overall at the Tour de France in 2016 and third in 2017 and has amassed three victories in the grand tour.

He retired after last year's Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes - then called the Criterium du Dauphine - as he chased a final victory on home roads. His attacking style and fearless resilience made him a fan favourite in France, and a mentorship with Seixas could prove to be a strong addition to the team.

Since his retirement, Bardet has worked as a commentator and analyst. Bardet has also been active and successful in gravel races. The 35-year-old took victory four rounds of the UCI Gravel World Series across 2025 and 2026. L'Équipe also reports that he still has gravel commitments, making it unclear when he will officially begin the new role.