"Paul Seixas seems perfectly capable of doing it one day": Iconic French commentator backs the 19-year-old as a future Tour de France winner

Daniel Mangeas, the iconic voice of French cycling, has begun a gradual return to the microphone after suffering a stroke at the start of 2025. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview, the 76-year-old reflected on his recovery, his love for cycling, and his thoughts for the 2026 season.

A stroke is no joke, even more if you are 76 years old. That's why Mangeas' comeback is being handled very carefully. “Cycling is part of my life and I therefore wanted to come back gradually, not necessarily into a rhythm, but to return through a few small races, meeting up with friends who gave me enormous support,” he said to Cyclism Actu.

Mangeas reflected on the stroke. “I’m going to start with what life imposed on me recently and completely unexpectedly: a stroke. Despite that, I decided to commentate a few races, to regain a bit of confidence, but also to see friends again. I think that’s the most important thing in life. I'd also like to thank everyone, because I received an enormous amount of support, which was truly a great help. I wanted to start back a little bit, because it helps avoid too abrupt a break.”

He confirmed that he will not return alone, but rather alongside fellow commentators. "I'm going to start running races again in pairs, with fellow commentators like Damien Martin, Marion Hérault-Garnier, and Michel Gélizé, among others. A few races as a pair. There's also the desire to make my comeback a success, since it was abruptly cut short by this stroke. I want to do this comeback in a very simple way, not flashy."

Several races already feature in his provisional programme, starting with one that carries particular symbolic weight. “I will first come back at the Grand Prix de la Marseillaise. That’s the first race I’m going to do, and my stroke happened on the very day I was supposed to return for the Grand Prix de la Marseillaise. So, sentimentally, it's going to be something very powerful, and likely very emotional.”

His schedule also includes other classic French races. "I'll be doing the Tour du Finistère, then the Boucles de l'Aulne in Châteaulin with Éric Le Balch. After that, I'll be doing the Franco-Belge with a friend, as well as Bessèges."

Asked about the sporting highlights of the 2025 season, Mangeas singled out one rider above all others. "For me, one woman stands out: Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. She had an exceptional career in the yellow jersey. She was a multiple world champion and her career was absolutely sublime. She was truly exceptional. For me, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is an exceptional champion."

Mangeas also praised the broader evolution of women’s cycling, which has been developing exponentially in the past years. "I find it absolutely phenomenal. A crowd came of its own accord. At one time, people said it was the men who brought the crowds. Today, a crowd went to see the women for themselves. This allowed them to achieve victories and, above all, recognition."

On the subject of rising French talent, Mangeas urged patience regarding Paul Seixas, and he said he does not think he will debut at the Tour de France this year. "For me, no. I think he'll go to the Vuelta instead. At only 19, what he's accomplished is phenomenal. He knows expectations are high, but he's managed it well. He has an exceptional temperament and seems to have a great deal of control over his career, which is essential in an increasingly stressful cycling world."

He also said Seixas reminds him to one of the greatest French riders, who was also the last French Tour de France winner. "Yes, absolutely. We could sense Bernard Hinault coming up. We could feel it coming. Bernard Hinault had a very strong character, capable of moving mountains. Paul Seixas seems calmer, perhaps more introverted, or simply more self-possessed. But I think they're following the same path: that of riders who want to win the Tour de France. Bernard Hinault did it, and Paul Seixas seems perfectly capable of doing it one day."

Finally, Mangeas shared his expectations regarding the upcoming season, one in which he hopes French riders will shine. "I have high expectations for this generation of French riders. Kevin Vauquelin, I hope he's recovered well from the Tour de France and his injury. Romain Grégoire, Axel Laurance, and Valentin Madouas are all incredibly talented riders. I'm also looking forward to Paul Magnier. I don't know if he'll ride the next Tour de France, but he's clearly a cut above the rest," he concluded.