Paul Seixas set to make unique return to cycling - Il Lombardia winner and Brandon McNulty will headline special Japanese criterium
Cycling
Il Lombardia champion Paul Seixas returns to cycling for a unique occasion next month, with the Decathlon CMA CGM rider set to headline the 2026 Saitama Criterium. The Japanese criterium, organised by the same company as the Tour de France, Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO).
With many other stars from this year's Tour de France also invited to the November 15th showpiece, which takes place along a 2.45km city circuit. 25 laps of the circuit makes for a 61.25km test.
Cyclism'Actu reports that the 20-year-old fourth place finisher at the Tour will be at the start, and he's set to be joined by world champion Brandon McNulty in the event. Primož Roglič, Jonathan Milan and Jonas Vingegaard were the main attractions of the 2025 edition - won by Vingegaard.
McNulty is the other name reported to be part of the event, coming in form following his surprise Montreal World Championships win. The American, and teammate of Tadej Pogacar, took his first win in the rainbow jersey at the Veneto Classic.
Brandon McNulty
Seixas contract speculation
Seixas, who is currently the subject of extensive transfer and contract speculation, returns after his solo Lombardia win - securing his first-ever monument in a breakout year.
His current deal runs until the end of the 2027 season. Several teams have expressed their interest in the French sensation, and his team have reportedly tabled a new long-term deal. However, Seixas provided a definitive update on his future earlier this week.
"So, for the moment, I haven't made a decision because until now, all my young career, let's say, I've spent my time running after contracts," Seixas said on RMC.
"They always told me, as soon as you do a performance, you have to sign, you have to sign, you have to sign. So I said, when I signed this contract, so now two years ago, I said, I promise that on this contract, I won't rush to sign because it annoys me."
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Seixas taking his time
For now, Seixas is taking his time and assessing his options - noting that he knows a deadline for a decision is approaching during the off-season. He did not confirm if any other teams have tabled an offer.
"So now I'm taking my time and I'm saying to myself, I'm on vacation, I'm not thinking about it too much. Even though I'm going to have to make a decision soon, but for now, it's not made.
"I don't know exactly when I'm going to make it. I think there's a moment when I'm going to have a feeling and I'm going to say to myself, well, that's the right decision. After that, I think that not making the decision until now is a good thing."
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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- This is cause Visma isnt good enough and realize that they cant contest for the TDF anymore(they dont have the means) thats why they will transition to this indeed. And its the right call.miguel30-10-2026
- With this course, don't be surprised is Seixas wins it if Tadej doesn't close on the tt's. There are a lot of ifs, let see how the early season goes for all of them.awp30-10-2026
- That's true. Even one Tour win is a dream.awp30-10-2026
- As someone of non-Flemish background, the surname 'Lambrecht' does not stir happy memories
Rafionain-Glas30-10-2026 - This team is so smart with their signings. They know exactly who they are. What their limits are. And don’t pretend to be something they’re notmij30-10-2026
- I don’t think that’ll be the case at all. I think Remco will surely be some way ahead after 1st TT, and Tadej will go all out to thrash him in the mountains.Lozza30-10-2026
- Their team had a strategy of Tadej winning and del Toro being second of third. Tadej had to help him all along that route. However, it's clear those two guys are very close friends, so it's understandable. Del Toro is impressive too, this was his first Tour. He and Paul Seixas are going to be competitors throughout their careers and it's going to fun to watch.awp30-10-2026
- There is no doubt about that, Jonas is a beast. If you remember back, he was much lighter for the 2024 Tour than normal after that crash because he had so much muscle loss, but he still raced and finished second, he cried at the end because he didn't think he would make the podium when he decided to race it, but did it anyway.awp30-10-2026
- Yes, he needs to go for his sixth Tour win. He's the best cyclist in history so he needs to get to his sixth. There is time for Roubaix later.awp30-10-2026
- An 'any excuse for CUTD to mention Pogacar' story 😁
leedorney30-10-2026
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