"I'm not going to roll out the red carpet for Paul Seixas just because he has incredible talent" - French national coach

After years of being mostly sprinter competition, the 2025 European Championships in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes will finally bring a course design for riders who are not afraid of some climbing. French national coach Thomas Voeckler will therefore have many candidates who will wish to represent their country on home roads. Among them the brightest gem and future of French cycling - Paul Seixas - for whom these are almost home roads.

"His age isn't a hindrance. He has a WorldTour contract, he's eligible for selection," the selector for national team tells Cyclism'Actu. "I always work in consultation with the teams, even if I could decide on my own. That's not my way of working. I don't take anyone for granted; I respect the teams."

Still only 18-year-old, Seixas could still race in the under-23 category for three more seasons, but Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale felt it would be a waste of his talent and instead, the French climber sensation is already in WorldTour, showing glimpses of his immense potential. And that WorldTour contract also means that in accordance with last year's UCI rule changes, Seixas can no longer participate in under-23 European and World Championships.

But seeing his impressive level, evidenced by finishing 8th overall at the Critérium du Dauphiné, the question shouldn't be whether Seixas races in the under-23 category, but rather if he shouldn't be selected into the stacked French team for elite races. And if the youngster continues to perform in a similar fashion, it'll become a question of when, rather than if he will debut in national jersey.

"Seixas, like others, will wear the blue jersey. In the short, medium, or long term. But I never get carried away. Just because Paul Seixas has incredible talent doesn't mean I'm going to roll out the red carpet for him. I keep my feet on the ground."