No clarity yet on whether Paul Seixas races the 2026 Tour de France - "The most important thing, as I've always said, is my progress"

The answer many in France want regarding Paul Seixas is whether he will race the Tour de France or not this year. The signs point towards a yes, but a decision has not been made yet. Most likely, it won't until the summer comes, as Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale look to develop the 19-year old in the best way possible.

"You can see the team developing year after year, and frankly, it's a source of pride to be part of the team, to be one of the leaders of this team, and it makes you want to give it your all for another season," Seixas shared with Cyclism'Actu. Seixas currently has a contract until 2027, and with the results and potential he has been showing, there definitely is pressure on the French team to provide him with the best status possible and keep the youngster happy. It might be a once-in-a-generation French talent and after the team developed him over the past few years in its development ranks, if the desire to race the Tour this year already exists, than it is likely to happen.

"As I said, my dream is to ride the Tour de France, but whether it will be this year or not will depend mainly on whether it's worthwhile to do it this year," he argues. "I think that, of course, there's time with the Tour, because I know I'll definitely ride it one day, but the most important thing, as I've always said, is my progress, and if that means doing something else, then it will mean doing something else".

It is quite possible that a decision will have been made, but not announced, so as to try and keep some pressure and attention off his shoulders. Felix Gall is most certainly heading to the Giro d'Italia after prioritizing the Tour de France three years in a row, and that leaves more space for Seixas to be present. The team is likely to have Olav Kooij as leading sprinter, whilst the rest of the team could focus on stage wins. Matthew Ricittello is a possibility for the lineup to fight for GC whilst Seixas could have a free role, without the pressure of performing on GC or having to divert the team's attention and responsibility on his shoulders.

As for Seixas, he is starting his season at the Volta ao Algarve, and will then race the Faun-Ardèche Classic and Strade Bianche to start off his season. Later in the spring, he will have Itzulia Basque Country, Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège in his calendar. For the summer no decisions have been made.

"The start of the season is already planned with the Strade Bianche, which is really important to me, and then Liège-Bastogne-Liège as well, and the stage races. Then there's the end of the season too, with, I hope, the World Championships in Canada and the Il Lombardia like this year," he hints at. However, having just turned 19 and jumping into stardom with victories at the Tour de l'Avenir, podium at the European Championships and other strong results, it is important to keep his feet on the ground and not get carried away by the high hopes.

"I'm staying focused on my progress, as I said, and well, enjoying myself on the bike: ultimately, I've been lucky enough to live my dream, and that's the most important thing, it's really that I enjoy myself on the bike, and that's how performance works. For now, I'm continuing my studies, so, well, it's not easy every day, but you always have to persevere, it's like in life: you must never give up and always stay focused on your goals," he concluded.