Paul Seixas backed by experienced and exciting line-up - France announce their team for the 2026 World Championships
Cycling
Paul Seixas will enjoy the full backing of the France national team at the Montreal World Championships. Starting at the time trial on September 20th, the Decathlon CMA CGM sensation will then lead France in the elite men's road race on Sunday, September 27th.
Thomas Voeckler's selection includes some heavyweight and experienced support, Seixas' Decathlon teammates and some exciting young climbers as he looks to follow up his 4th place at the Tour de France with a potential rainbow jersey in the absence of Tadej Pogacar in Montreal.
Pavel Sivakov, Bruno Armirail, Jordan Labrosse, Valentin Paret-Peintre, Louis Barré, Nicolas Prodhomme, and Alex Baudin make up the French line-up in support of Seixas. Meanwhile in the time trial, Seixas will be joined by Bruno Armirail in the race against the clock.
Speaking after his arrival in Canada to prepare for the Championships, Seixas believes his Tour debut in July has given him an added confidence and perspective that he didn't yet have before.
“It is certainly true that I have more confidence in myself now,” Seixas told press in Quebec.
Paul Seixas in action on Stage 6 of the 2026 Tour de France
Seixas builds for World Championships
“The most important thing for the coming days is that I can measure myself against my main rivals for the World Championships. After that, of course, we want to ride the best possible race at the World Championships. With the French team, we will be ambitious.”
Looking in the rear view at the Tour and its potential life-changing impact on the Frenchman, Seixas didn't go as far as saying it changed his life.
However, he noted that the attention, pressure and support did change his perspective and cycling life when it comes to what he can do and how he will deal with pressure, including the World Championships.
'Crazy' Tour de France experience
“By a distance, it was actually quite crazy. There were so many people cheering me on, and of course the other French riders as well. That passion from my compatriots is special. It gives me a boost every day and the strength to keep fighting until the end.
“After the Tour, that naturally plays an even bigger role, and actually after my entire season, which has already been quite incredible so far. The approach towards me is different than it used to be. But it doesn't change my life. I mainly continue doing the things I enjoy myself.”
Seixas will have turned 20 by the time he takes to the line for the elite men's road race. He faces stiff competition despite Pogacar's absence as the contenders line up - with a new rainbow jersey set to be crowned in Canada.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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